Srinagar, August 10, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir’s apple industry, a cornerstone of India’s horticulture, is at a pivotal moment. Spanning 172,000 hectares, the region produces 2.06 million tonnes of apples annually, accounting for nearly 90% of India’s apple output alongside Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Yet, despite rising yields, a price squeeze driven by import timing and limited storage capacity threatens growers’ livelihoods. Experts argue that doubling controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage could unlock Kashmir’s potential in the global supply chain, turning seasonal gluts into year-round market leverage.
The Scale of Kashmir’s Apple Industry
Three districts dominate production: Baramulla (494,000 tonnes), Shopian (264,000 tonnes), and Anantnag(262,000 tonnes), together contributing nearly half of the region’s crop. Productivity has climbed steadily, with average yields rising from 11.1 tonnes per hectare in 2017–18 to 12.0 tonnes per hectare in 2023–24, peaking in 2022–23. This growth underscores Kashmir’s agricultural prowess, bolstered by its unique climate and heritage varieties like Ambri and Maharaji.However, a sharp decline in wholesale prices—from ₹733 per box to ₹458 in just two years (a 37% drop)—has squeezed grower margins. The culprit? A seasonal glut exacerbated by poor market timing.
The Timing Trap: Gluts and Imports
Kashmir’s apple harvest peaks from September to December, coinciding with the arrival of approximately 470,000 tonnes of imported apples in 2023, primarily from countries like the United States, Turkey, and Iran. This overlap floods the domestic market, driving prices down. With only 13% of the crop (270,374 tonnes) stored in CA facilities, the majority must be sold immediately post-harvest, leaving growers vulnerable to low prices.Globally, apple production stands at 84 million tonnes, with China commanding nearly half. Weather shocks in Europe have created short-term export opportunities, but India’s apple exports remain modest at 22,000 tonnes.
The real challenge lies in competing with imports in the domestic market, where timing is everything.
The Storage Solution: A Path to Market Control
Experts advocate for a bold push to double CA storage capacity within five years, targeting key districts like Baramulla, Budgam, and Anantnag. CA storage preserves apple quality for up to a year, allowing growers to stagger sales into lean months (January–August) when prices are 20–40% higher. Currently, India’s CA storage capacity lags behind global leaders like China and the United States, which store up to 50% of their crops.“Storage is the missing link,” says Dr. Bilal Ahmad, a horticulture expert at SKUAST-Kashmir. “With expanded CA facilities, we can control supply, stabilize prices, and compete with imports. Pairing this with grading, traceability, and near-orchard processing will elevate Kashmir apples to premium status.”
Beyond Storage: Value Addition and Global Reach
Investing in storage alone isn’t enough. Upgrading grading systems to meet international standards, implementing traceability for consumer trust, and developing processing units for products like cider, juice, and dried apples can add value. Kashmir’s apples, known for their crisp texture and rich flavor, have untapped export potential, especially in markets hit by supply disruptions.“Europe’s weather shocks are our window,” notes Rameez Dar, a grower from Shopian. “But we need infrastructure to seize it—storage, quality certification, and branding.”
The Investment Case: Why Storage Leads
While grading, processing, and export promotion are critical, CA storage stands out as the top priority. It directly addresses the glut, empowers growers to time the market, and lays the foundation for value-added industries. Government subsidies, public-private partnerships, and cold chain investments could accelerate progress, with Baramulla’s high output making it a prime candidate for pilot projects.
The Road Ahead
Kashmir’s apple industry has the scale, quality, and heritage to compete globally. By prioritizing CA storage, staggering sales, and enhancing quality, the region can transform its seasonal surplus into a year-round asset. The question isn’t whether to invest—it’s how fast we can act.
