Kashmir Apple Growers Turn To Cold Storage Amid Low Market Demand

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Amid low demand for apples, growers in Kashmir are storing their produce in cold storage units, hoping to achieve better returns by March. However, most of these storage facilities are already nearing full capacity.

Apple growers from various areas in south Kashmir said that the current market demand for apples is exceptionally low, prompting them to opt for cold storage to potentially secure higher prices in the coming months.

“This year's production is lower compared to previous years, yet demand remains unexpectedly weak,” said Muhammad Yousuf, a fruit grower from Shopian.“Even though the quality is good, the market is sluggish, forcing many of us to store our produce.”

Previously, growers were reluctant to use cold storage due to disappointing sales of stored apples last spring. However, reduced storage charges have encouraged many to reconsider.“The lower fees make it more feasible for us to keep our apples in storage,” they said.

Mehraj Ahmad, manager at a cold storage facility in SIDCO Lassipora, said that 95 percent of their storage is already full, with the remaining capacity expected to be filled within the week.

Read Also Climate Change Woes: Kashmir's Apple Production Drops 30% For Second Year Apple Industry Suffers Amidst Election Noise

Aabid Hussain, a senior employee at another unit, said,“Our facility can hold 200,000 apple boxes, and we've already received 190,000.”

Hussain said the cold storage units have a positive impact on the horticulture sector.“We give growers the flexibility to sell their produce at their discretion. These units provide employment to hundreds of people, and packing work now keeps labourers busy year-round,” he said.

Kashmir is home to approximately 40 cold storage units, with most located in SIDCO Lassipora.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW

MONTHLY	Rs 100

YEARLY	Rs 1000

LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS

MENAFN15102024000215011059ID1108778517

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.