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Kashmir's Apple Growers Face Steep Price Crash as Yields Disappoint
23 Aug
Summary
- Prices of European apple varieties in Kashmir have fallen 40% since 2024
- High-density apple farming has failed to deliver expected higher yields and returns
- Climate change and pests pose growing threats to Kashmir's vital apple industry
As of August 2025, Kashmir's apple growers are facing a major crisis as prices for their European high-density apple varieties have plummeted by nearly 40% compared to 2024. Many farmers had invested heavily in uprooting their traditional orchards to embrace the new farming techniques, lured by the promise of higher yields and quicker returns. However, the anticipated benefits have failed to materialize, leaving them anxious about the future of the region's vital apple industry.
The apple farming sector, valued at over ₹8,000 crore, forms the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, supporting over 3.5 million people directly or indirectly. The valley produces around 75% of India's total apple output, but this year's oversupply has driven prices down sharply, with a 10-12 kg box now selling for just ₹750-1,000, compared to ₹1,300-1,400 in 2024.
Growers have also faced challenges from climate change, with back-to-back dry winters and record-breaking summer heat taking a toll on their high-density orchards. Pests and diseases have further compounded their troubles, forcing them to rely on more frequent and costly pesticide sprays. Experts warn that the region's over-reliance on a single variety, the Italian Gala, has left the industry vulnerable to market fluctuations and climate risks, underscoring the need for greater diversification.
