Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Kashmir Apple Growers Face Market Downturn Due to Oversupply
Farmers in Kashmir are growing a lot of apples, especially a new type from Europe that helps them grow more, faster.
But this year, too many apples hit the market all at once, and the price went down.
Many farmers invested in this new method but are now worried because they are not making much money.
Some problems include the apples not being ripe enough when picked, the weather, and even some bad plants.
Experts say farmers also need to follow all the instructions for taking care of the trees, like using water and pesticides in the right amounts, so they can get a good harvest.
Kashmir's apple growers face price drops due to European high-density apple oversupply.
High-density apple farming was introduced to increase yields, but prices have fallen significantly.
Farmers report issues with quality, early harvesting, and changing climate impacting apple yields.
Experts and growers debate the impact of imported saplings, farming practices, and market dynamics.
The J&K government promotes high-density cultivation with subsidies and imports of European varieties.
- Who
- Apple growers in Kashmir, government officials, and industry experts.
- What
- Oversupply of high-density apples from European varieties has caused prices to fall in Kashmir.
- When
- Prices fell during the current apple season, compared to the previous year.
- Where
- Kashmir's apple-growing region, including areas like Shopian and Pulwama.
- Why
- Oversupply, poor quality, changing climate, and adoption challenges have led to price drops.
Optimistic Perspective
Pessimistic Perspective
Market viability
Optimistic Perspective
High-density apple orchards are still a potentially lucrative business for growers
Pessimistic Perspective
Growers should concentrate on optimizing their practices. The focus is on improving post-harvest practices.
Adoption of best practices
Optimistic Perspective
The government is encouraging farmers to enter the sector and focus on expert recommendations.
Pessimistic Perspective
Farmers' adherence to modern methods is the main problem.
- GDP Contribution
- Apple farming contributes nearly 8% to J&K's GDP
- Market Value
- Apple farming is valued at over ₹8,000 crore
- Output Share
- Kashmir produces ~75% of India's total apple output
- Subsidy
- The J&K government offers a 50% subsidy for high-density apple cultivation
- Popular Varieties
- Red Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith
- Price Drop
- Prices have fallen nearly 40%
- Traditional Tree Fruiting Time
- Up to 15 years
- High-Density Tree Fruiting Time
- 1-2 years