Despite a bumper cherry crop this year, very low prices are frustrating growers across Kashmir Valley. Growers told that the harvesting of the cherry crop in Kashmir is underway and despite early hot weather, the farmers are pleased with the produce. However, the prevalent low prices have become a cause of concern for farmers.
One grower from Shopian said that the crop prices are at an all-time low and farmers aren’t even fetching the amount they spent on spraying and fertilizers. “Despite Covid-19 last year, we were selling a cherry box containing 2 kg cherry for Rs 300 but this year the same box with better quality cherry is fetching just Rs 90 to 100.”
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, chairman Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union said that this year due to hot weather in spring, cherries ripened a month early and produce was ready when there was bulk produce of the fruit in Himachal Pradesh.
[ Rs 100 = €1.20 ]
Source: kashmirpatriot.com