Double blow to J&K apple exports; Border tensions and bad weather depress prices
Adding to the woes, repeated heavy rainfall has triggered landslides, leading to frequent closures of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital artery for fruit-laden truck
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a challenging season as Indo-Pak border tensions and adverse weather conditions have severely impacted their exports and market prices.
Following Operation Sindoor and subsequent border skirmishes, the crucial transportation of stored apples to markets outside the State has been disrupted. Adding to the woes, repeated heavy rainfall has triggered landslides, leading to frequent closures of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a vital artery for fruit-laden trucks.
Consequently, a thousands of tonnes of apples remains unsold in 50-60 controlled atmosphere (CA) storages across the Kashmir Valley. Farmers are holding onto their produce, hoping for a recovery in prices.
Prices fell
Mohammad Ashraf Wani, President of the Fruit Mandi Shop, pointed out that the military action after the Pahalgam attack and the resulting border tensions have not only impeded the smooth movement of apples but have also caused prices to fall in key wholesale markets like Delhi, Gujarat, and Punjab. He also noted a reduction in the number of trucks venturing out of the Valley.
Official figures for 2024-25 show an estimated apple production of 20.3 lakh metric tonnes in J&K, with 15-18 per cent still in CA storage. Izhan Javed, spokesperson for JKPICCA, put the stored quantity at 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes. While acknowledging the role of Indo-Pak tensions, Javed emphasised that the recurring closures and subsequent roadworks on the National Highway were major contributors to the transportation delays.
The impact on prices is significant. According to Wani, wholesale fruit markets across the country are experiencing a downturn, with apple crate prices (10-15 kg) currently ₹200-Rs 250 lower than normal. He cautioned that continued low prices would inflict substantial losses on hundreds of apple farmers.
Published on May 13, 2025
