Fruit Fall, Rising Freight Costs Threaten Livelihoods, Say Apple Growers

Urge Govt To Expand Cold Storage, Open Alternative Markets

- Agencies

Apple growers across Kashmir are facing one of their toughest harvest seasons in recent memory, as heavy fruit fall, poor market demand, and logistical hurdles have combined to push the valley's horticulture sector into crisis.

Farmers said they were compelled to harvest their crop earlier than usual after a prolonged dry spell was followed by incessant rains, strong winds, and hailstorms, which caused apples to fall prematurely.

“The fruit fall began suddenly, and it simply didn’t stop this year. Every morning, we would find apples scattered on the ground. If we hadn't picked them early, we would have been left with nothing,” said Abdul Rashid, an orchardist from Shopian.