Kashmir’s Apple Growers Face Crisis Amid Influx of Foreign Fruits in Indian Markets

The apple growers in Kashmir are dealing with an unprecedented crisis as demand for their produce declines sharply across India, largely due to an influx of imported apples from various countries. Many believe this situation is exacerbated by deliberate policies from the Modi governement, aimed at inflicting economic harm on the apple industry in Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The prices of Kashmiri apples have plummeted by a incredible 50% compared to the previous year. The local industry has been severely impacted by the influx of imported apples from countries like South Africa and Iran, leaving farmers and traders in a precarious position.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the All Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, highlighted the severity of the situation. “The foreign apple influx has hit our industry hard. We urge the government to impose taxes on imported apples to safeguard our local industry.” He further elaborated on the dire financial implications, noting that A-grade apple boxes are now fetching 40% less than before, while B-grade apples have seen a price drop of 60%. Farmers are struggling to cover essential costs such as pesticides, harvesting, packaging, and storage, as their produce yields meager returns.

The apple industry is a crucial component of Kashmir’s economy, significantly contributing to agricultural output and providing employment to thousands. The current crisis threatens the livelihoods of many who depend on this sector. Growers’ associations are calling for urgent intervention from New Delhi, including the imposition of import duties on foreign apples, subsidies, and financial assistance to help farmers cope with their losses and ensure the survival of the industry.

“The increasing presence of South African and Iranian apples in retail supermarkets and on e-commerce platforms across India has exacerbated the situation,” the growers’ associations noted. This influx has further reduced the demand for Kashmiri apples, driving prices down and causing substantial financial losses for growers and traders.

The crisis is compounded by logistical challenges. With Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units still occupied by last year’s produce, growers are racing against time to clear their stock before the upcoming harvest of peaches, cherries, and other products. This bottleneck in storage capacity further aggravates the economic strain on the apple growers.

The influx of cheaper foreign apples has disrupted the local market, making it difficult for Kashmiri apples to compete. This situation is not just a simple market fluctuation but is seen by many as a deliberate attempt to undermine the economic stability of Kashmir’s apple industry.

To conclude, the Kashmiri apple industry is facing a severe crisis due to the influx of imported apples, which has drastically reduced demand and prices. The economic repercussions are grave, affecting thousands of farmers and traders who rely on this sector.