20% spike in apple prices due to crop damage, delay in arrival

Generally, by the first week of September, apples from J&K hit the wholesale markets in the northern plains.

Over 250 trucks laden with the fruit are estimated to be stuck on account of roadblocks.

Jammu and Kashmir’s apple growers, who account for around 75 per cent of India’s total apple output, are staring at a sizeable destruction of this year’s crop in the state after the floods, with losses pegged at more than Rs 1,000 crore based on initial estimates.

Heavy rainfall that coincided with the harvest time, and ensuing logistical hurdles holding up the evacuation of harvested apples from the upper reaches of the state.

The delay in the arrival of the state’s apple crop, which was ready for harvest when the flood hit the valley, has already led to a sharp spike in the prices of the fruit in markets such as the Azadpur Wholesale Market in Delhi. Wholesale prices are already up more than 20 per cent, according to National Horticulture Board data as on September 17, than what it was last year. Over 250 trucks laden with the fruit are estimated to be stuck on account of roadblocks.

Generally, by the first week of September, apples from J&K hit the wholesale markets in the northern plains. This year, it is a different story altogether.

“Orchards on the lower reaches are all still under water,” S L Hangloo, Joint Director of the J&K Horticulture Department, told The Indian Express. Overall losses, based on initial estimates, could be well over a third of the Rs 4,500-5,000 crore output, he indicated.

Anil Sasi

Anil Sasi is National Business Editor with the Indian Express and writes on business and finance issues. He has worked with The Hindu Business Line and Business Standard and is an alumnus of Delhi University. ... Read More

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