SRINAGAR: Apple growers in Kashmir have been prompted to release their produce from cold storage units earlier than usual as demand for apples picks up across the country. Growers stated that many have started transporting their produce to various markets amidst robust demand.
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities traditionally begin dispatching apples to the markets around mid-February. However, this year, growers initiated the process in early January to take advantage of favourable market conditions.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a fruit grower from Shopian, said that traditional apple boxes weighing around 10 kilograms are fetching Rs 1200–1400 in the market, while larger boxes containing approximately 16 kilograms are selling for Rs 1700–1900.
He further noted that almost all cold storage units in Pulwama and Shopian were fully stocked by October 2024, as many growers opted to store their produce due to low demand at the time.
Notably, last year around 20 per cent of the apple produce remained unsold in cold storage even after nine months. This situation was attributed to factors such as the influx of imported apples, which affected the demand for local produce.
However, growers have reported a more promising start this year, with cold storage produce season beginning on a high note. They expressed hope that the trend will persist throughout the season, ensuring handsome returns.
Cold storage units, growers emphasised, provide the flexibility to sell produce based on market demand. They also highlighted the need for more such facilities to maintain balanced supply chains and sustain market prices.
Shahid Ahmad, Manager of a cold storage unit, said these facilities have proven invaluable for Kashmiri apple growers by granting them control over the timing of their sales.
“There is currently good demand for apples, prompting growers to request early release of their produce,” he said.
Kashmir has approximately 40 cold storage units, most of which are located in SIDCO Lassipora. The region produces an average of over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, with production reaching as high as 25 lakh metric tonnes in some years. (KNO)
