The Man Who Rescued Kashmir's Forgotten Apple

Once nearly lost, the Ambri apple is thriving again, thanks to a quiet scientist who believed Kashmir's most prized fruit was worth saving.

- Dr. Waseem Ahmad

In the orchard-rich valley of Kashmir, one apple once stood above all others: the Ambri. Known for its rich aroma, long shelf life, and distinct taste, it was the pride of the region. But as new, faster-growing varieties took over, the Ambri quietly slipped from favour. Most believed its time had passed. But one scientist didn't.

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a soft-spoken horticulturist with deep roots in the valley, spent decades working to save this rare apple from extinction. Today, he is known across the region, and among scientists across India, as the "Ambri Man of Kashmir."

Years ago, Dr. Bhat saw what few others did: that the Ambri was not just a fruit, but a part of Kashmir's heritage. Where others gave up, he got to work. He traveled through remote villages and high-altitude orchards to collect surviving Ambri trees.