Imported cherry varieties – from Italy, Bulgaria – fetch premium prices in Kashmir

The introduction of imported cherry varieties from Bulgaria and Italy is yielding promising economic returns for Kashmir’s cherry growers, evenas the region's traditional varieties are yet to be harvested.

- JAHANGEER GANAIE

Farmers across the valley told the news agency—Kashmir News Observ-er (KNO) that these early-ripening imported varieties are currently fetch-ing attractive market prices. While tra-ditional varieties like Siyah, which are nearing maturity, are expected to per-form well, the main harvest of conven-tional cultivars remains several weeks away, they said.

Although the imported varieties lack some of the rich crunch, vibrant colour and nutritional qualities of traditional cherries, they possess a crucial advan-tage: resilience to adverse weather con-ditions. “Even lightrainfall can damage traditional cherries and reduce their market value,” said Rashid Ahmad, a grower from Shopian.

He said the Italian and Bulgarian varieties are more tolerant of light and moderate rain and are only vulnerable during heavy downpours, making them a more reliable option in unpredictable weather.