The apple trade in Kashmir continues to be badly hit due to low rates in the markets outside. The discouraging market trends are directly impacting the scene on the ground. This has slowed down the pace of traders buying apple from growers.
Most growers say that they are not getting buyers for their produce. As the harvesting is nearing its end, things are becoming difficult for them. The packaging material becoming costlier has added to the woes of the growers. There are also reports of shortage of the material in several areas.
Reports say that this year there is bumper apple crop. But low rates are thwarting any good deals. The apples were ready to go to outside markets one month earlier than the scheduled time due to early harvesting season.
This year Kashmir witnessed early end to winter conditions leading to early blooming of trees and early resumption of horticulture and agriculture related activities. Subsequently, Kashmiri apple arrived in markets when the Himachal Pradesh (HP) apple was still there.
Source: greaterkashmir.com