Kashmir’s apple supply hit, Himachal’s growers and traders see windfall

The ongoing supply disruptions in the aftermath of the recent floods in Kashmir have opened a lucrative window for Himachal Pradesh’s apple growers, especially those producing high-quality A- and B-grade varieties such as the Royal Delicious.

Traders from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are seeking apples from Himachal’s orchards to fill the gap left by Kashmir’s disrupted supply chain. Many have established direct links with growers, bypassing intermediaries to ensure access to high-quality fruit.

“There are many commission agents in touch with traders from across India. We are now getting good prices for good-quality apples, mainly due to the growing demand and the supply crisis from Kashmir. Road connectivity disruptions have also delayed the arrival of Kashmiri apples, especially outside the Valley,” Nishu Verma, an apple grower from Theog said. Verma had brought 90 cartons of apples, each weighing 20 kg to 22 kg, in his Mahindra pickup to the Bhattakuffer market.

Acknowledging the temporary nature of this price surge, Verma added, “The prices will normalise once apple supply from Kashmir is restored. For now, we are making the most of the opportunity.”

‘1.61 crore apple cartons in the market’

A window of favourable weather over the past few days, coupled with partial restoration of road connectivity, has enabled Himachal’s apple growers to capitalise on the current supply-demand imbalance.

According to Hemis Negi, Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh State Agriculture Marketing Board (HPSAMB), “The state has so far recorded a substantial inflow of apples into its markets. At least 1.61 crore (1,61,33,376) apple cartons have reached markets controlled by the State Agriculture Marketing Board. Of these, 1.02 crore (1,02,72,955) cartons were delivered to markets in Shimla and Kinnaur, while 23.45 lakh (23,45,286) cartons were received in Solan’s agriculture markets.”

“The apple season began on June 26 and will continue until the end of October. We expect steady inflow as growers bring in their produce,” he added.

According to the HPSAMB, about 1.13 crore (1,13,17,573) apple cartons reached different markets till September 12, 2024. This year, till September 12, there is an increase of 48.15 lakh (48,15,803) apple cartons which reached the fruit markets.

A recent announcement by the Indian Railways is expected to improve the situation in the coming weeks. From Saturday, a new daily service between Budgam in Kashmir and Adarsh Nagar in Delhi is set to operate, with two carriages exclusively reserved for transporting apples. This initiative aims to mitigate supply bottlenecks and ensure faster delivery to markets in the plains.

At Bhattakuffer, a surge in vehicles

The influx of apples at Bhattakuffer Fruit Market has been dramatic. Prem Bekta, a Home Guard Volunteer deputed at the market’s entry gate, observed the change firsthand. “Until September 7, we were receiving barely 30 to 40 loaded Mahindra pickups with apple cartons daily. But since September 7, that number has increased to nearly 195 vehicles arriving every day from across the Shimla region,” Bekta said.

He noted that this surge comes despite many growers choosing other markets. “A significant number of apple growers are taking their stock directly to markets at Solan, Parwanoo, and even Pinjore in Haryana, where traders from the plains procure apples in bulk. In a typical apple season, between 200 and 350 loaded vehicles arrive daily at this market alone.”

“The demand and prices will remain high until the apple supply from Kashmir is restored. Once supply is restored, the prices will automatically normalise,” Balkrishan Singh, a commission agent at Solan Fruit Market situated adjoining the National Highway-5 in Solan city, said.

“High-quality apples are yet to reach the markets. Even Royal Delicious, which is coming to the markets, is slightly blackish due to the effects of incessant rainfall and early defoliation on apple trees. Wait for two to three weeks more, the real high-quality apple from the high belt, which includes specific areas of Shimla and Kinnaur districts, will also reach the markets,” he added.