While hailstorms affected part of the crop, strong domestic demand and the emergence of premium export varieties have left growers optimistic about the future of India’s cherry industry.
“The season was on time and production was good overall, but hailstorms caused crop losses of around 30 to 40% in Jammu & Kashmir, with Himachal Pradesh reporting even higher damage,” says Izhan Javeed of agri value-chain company Fruit Master Agro Fresh. “The availability of export-grade fruit was limited, and because Himachal’s crop was affected more severely, demand for Kashmir cherries remained very strong.”
According to Javeed, domestic prices reached as high as Rs 400 per kilogram, roughly double those of last season, as buyers competed for the limited supply of quality fruit. “Exports remain relatively small, with less than 1% of production currently shipped overseas. This is because premium varieties are still being planted on a limited scale. However, we expect export volumes to increase in the coming years.”
That growth is expected to come from newer high-density orchards planted with premium cultivars such as Areko, Regina, Kordia and Irena, which the company has been introducing to growers over the past five years. “The genetics are being sourced from a Dutch cherry breeder, while a broad range of early-, mid- and late-season varieties is being trialled to identify those best suited to Indian growing conditions. Besides improving fruit quality, the staggered varieties are expected to extend both the harvest season and the export window.”
Compared with traditional local cultivars, these cherries offer larger fruit, improved firmness and longer shelf life, qualities considered essential for export markets. “These varieties consistently produce fruit above 26 mm, with some cherries reaching 34 mm in size. They also achieve more than 18° Brix and have thicker skins, making them much more suitable for long-distance transport,” says Javeed.
This season also marked an important milestone with India’s first commercial export of Areko cherries to the UAE. “A second export shipment, comprising around one tonne of cherries across three premium varieties, was sent to Singapore last week, with the consignment being flagged off by APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev.”
Interest is also emerging from Europe, with Belgium among the markets the company hopes to supply in the next season. “The new varieties are the future of cherry production in India. With premium-quality fruit, we are seeing more export opportunities opening up,” Javeed notes. However, he emphasises that genetics alone will not establish India as a competitive exporter.
“We’re working on the complete value-chain, from providing quality planting material and supporting growers with agronomy to installing anti-hail and anti-rain protection systems. The next step is developing post-harvest infrastructure such as hydro-cooling, grading lines and export logistics.”
Looking ahead, Javeed believes India can build a competitive cherry export industry over the next five years, supported by government initiatives promoting high-density orchards and premium varieties.
“Kashmir has the climate and altitude to grow cherries that can compete with the best fruit in the world. Once production and infrastructure are scaled up, India is expected to become a much stronger player in the premium cherry market.”
Source: Fresh Plaza
