Bounty Boost

This year, Sopore Fruit Mandi has so far dispatched over 9 lakh metric tons of apples worth more than 6,000 crore INR. However, despite the success stories from hubs like the Sopore Fruit Mandi, Kashmir’s apple industry still faces challenges related to infrastructure, transportation, market linkages and crop quality. With a peak harvest that brings in around 24 lakh metric tons of produce annually, preserving apple quality becomes a challenge. Therefore, setting up more advanced cold storage solutions with Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology can extend the shelf life of apples and enable farmers to store and sell their produce during leaner months at higher prices. With the Sopore Mandi currently loading around 300 trucks daily for destinations across India and countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, a robust transport network is critical. The Sopore Mandi’s President, as per media reports, has commended improvements to national highways, which have streamlined transportation, minimized delays, and ensured fresher apples reach the market. However, he has also called for further upgrades in road infrastructure, specifically to connect rural apple-growing regions with main trade routes, which are essential to optimize transportation. To sustain and expand apple yields, modern horticulture practices are vital. High-density planting, for instance, could significantly increase per-acre productivity. Despite a relatively dry season this year, nearly 95 per cent of apples at Sopore Mandi met high quality standards. The government can support farmers by providing training in contemporary farming methods, along with subsidies for advanced irrigation systems and equipment. Such efforts would boost productivity, increase crop resilience, and enhance the overall quality of produce. Nearly 40% of Kashmir’s apple trade flows through Sopore Mandi, significantly contributing to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir. Direct market linkages can help farmers in the region retain more profit by reducing dependency on intermediaries. Government support for e-marketplaces or digital trading platforms dedicated to Kashmiri apples can connect farmers directly with buyers across India and abroad. Additionally, developing value-added processing facilities for apple-based products like juice, cider, and dried apples would diversify revenue streams and reduce wastage. These processed products could cater to both domestic and export markets, adding more economic value to Kashmir’s apple sector. Kashmiri apples are prized for their distinct taste, but they remain underrepresented in global markets. With Sopore apples already reaching countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, there is immense scope for further international expansion. The government could collaborate with trade bodies to promote ‘Kashmiri Apples’ as a brand synonymous with premium quality. Offering support for quality certifications, such as organic and fair-trade labels, would increase the appeal of Kashmiri apples in high-end international markets, setting them apart from competing varieties and opening doors to higher profitability. Apple farmers in Kashmir face significant risks due to unpredictable weather and challenges like counterfeit pesticides, which can compromise crop quality. Crop insurance schemes tailored specifically for apple growers could mitigate financial risks, while government-backed quality control for pesticides would help maintain the quality of Kashmir’s apples and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.