SRINAGAR: The recent closure of the Attari-Wagah border following the Pahalgam terror attack has affected the import of dry fruits from Afghanistan to India. Experts believe the disruption will significantly impact the domestic dry fruit market, especially in Kashmir.
Dry fruit dealers said that prices for certain dry fruits have already risen by around 10–15 percent in the past week. They warned that if the disruption continues, prices may rise further in the coming days.
On average, between 15 and 20 trucks carrying dry fruits used to cross into India daily via the Wagah border, with numbers increasing during festivals like Diwali.
Since the closure of the Attari-Wagah border on April 22, many trucks carrying perishable goods have reportedly returned without delivering supplies. This supply gap could benefit local producers.
Local traders and associations in Kashmir said reduced competition from Afghan imports may boost demand and value for indigenous products such as Kashmiri almonds, walnuts, and saffron. The shift could result in better prices and a larger market share for local farmers and traders.
Bahadur Khan, President of the Dry Fruit Association of Kashmir, said dry fruit imports from other countries should be stopped to enhance the value of local products. He expressed concern over the cutting down of almond and walnut trees in Kashmir due to the availability of imported dry fruits.
“Despite the superior taste and quality of local dry fruits, consumers often prefer imported varieties based on their size and shape, rather than flavour,” Khan said.
He added that while prices for many items have increased, the prices of Kashmiri almonds, walnuts, and other products have remained unchanged. “When we were buying a 15 kg tin of mustard oil for Rs 1,000, the price of walnut kernels was around Rs 500 per kg—and that remains the same,” he said.
Khan held the horticulture department responsible for the decline of Kashmir’s dry fruit industry. (KNO)
