Traditional Kashmiri cherry varieties are also fetching encouraging rates, offering relief to growers who faced weather-related production losses during the flowering period.

Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, a fruit grower from Shopian, says the season has held up well. “Imported varieties from Holland and Italy are fetching excellent prices. Demand has remained strong for nearly a month, and traders expect the rates to stay firm as the season progresses. Traditional cherries are also selling at satisfactory prices, which is encouraging for growers.” Bhat adds that the staggered harvesting pattern of imported cultivars allows growers to bring produce to market over a longer period, avoiding the price pressure that comes with simultaneous heavy arrivals.

Irfan Ahmad, a trader from Fruit Mandi Shopian, says buyer preference for imported varieties remains driven by their firmness and shelf life. “Imported cherries are still leading the market in terms of prices. Their quality, firmness and shelf life make them highly attractive to buyers. Traditional varieties are also witnessing good demand, and growers are getting remunerative returns. Overall, the market has remained positive.”

Basheer Ahmad Basheer, President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, says market demand has helped cushion the impact of lower output. “Good market demand has helped offset some of the production losses caused by adverse weather. If demand remains steady, growers can expect satisfactory returns this season despite low production.”

Plum growers across the Valley are also reporting a rewarding season. Abdul Rashid, a grower from Pulwama, says prices and quality have both held firm. “Plums are fetching very good prices, and farmers are happy with the returns. Demand has remained steady, and the quality of the fruit is also good, making this one of the better seasons for plum growers.”

Source: Fresh Plaza