Pulwama, August 3,2026- The harvesting of high-density apples has begun across orchards in Pulwama district, raising hopes of a bumper apple season and bringing cheer to fruit growers. Farmers say the crop has performed well this year, with orchards witnessing healthy fruit development and an encouraging yield.
While the harvest has started in several areas, apple growers have appealed to orchardists and fruit agents to avoid harvesting the fruit prematurely. They stressed that apples should be allowed to attain their proper size, colour, and maturity before being picked to ensure premium quality and better prices in the market.
According to growers, harvesting immature apples not only affects the fruit’s taste and appearance but also reduces its market value, ultimately impacting farmers’ earnings. They believe that waiting for the crop to fully mature will help maintain the reputation of Kashmir apples and fetch higher returns for producers.
Pulwama, often referred to as the apple bowl of Kashmir, has witnessed a steady expansion of high-density apple orchards over the past few years. The adoption of modern cultivation techniques and improved varieties has significantly enhanced productivity, enabling farmers to produce higher-quality fruit and increase their incomes.
As the harvest season gathers pace, growers remain optimistic about a successful marketing season, provided the fruit is harvested at the right stage of maturity. They have urged all stakeholders in the horticulture sector to prioritise quality over early marketing, ensuring that consumers receive the best-quality apples while farmers secure the returns they deserve.
