Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 21: After witnessing a good demand across India for around a month, the demand for Kashmiri apples has again lowered due to the import of apples in bulk quantities from different countries.
Fruit growers across the valley informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the demand for Kashmiri apples has again lowered over the past week, which has sparked concern among the growers. They said that rates have lowered by around 100 to 200 rupees per box.
Mohammad Ayoub, a fruit grower from Nagbal, Shopian said earlier there was very little demand for apples across India due to which growers suffered losses. “The demand increased later and growers fetched handsome returns that brought smiles back on the faces of growers. However, demand has again lowered over the last week. This has worried the growers as they stare at losses if demand further decreases,” he said.
Other growers said the demand has started decreasing again and there are apprehensions that they could face losses.
“We have already sought the attention of the Union government to stop the import of apples from different countries for the last few years but nothing is being done on the ground,” said a grower.
They have reiterated their appeal to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to look into their concerns.
Basheer Ahmad Basheer, president of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, an elected apex body of all fruit growers’ associations in the valley, told KNO that the demand for Kashmiri apples has lowered by around 10-20 per cent over the last week.
He said around 20-30 per cent of apples, excluding the produce kept in cold storage units, are yet to reach markets.
The main reason behind the decrease in demand, Basheer said, is the cold wave in various parts of the country during which people usually don’t prefer to eat apples.
“Another reason is the bulk import of apples from other countries,” Basheer said. “All fruit growers associations demand a ban on the import of apples from other countries.”—(KNO)
