In Kashmir producers and sellers who utilize cold storage for their products are suffering massive financial losses due to the prices of their products have drastically decreased. The cost of apple boxes, currently being offered for sale at a price of Rs 300-400 which is a significant drop from their initial value in the peak season, particularly C-grade apples that were more expensive. A fruit merchant disclosed his personal losses, purchasing around 10,000 apple crates for Rs 1000-1500, and is now being able to sell them at between Rs 300 and 400, which has led to significant financial losses. This is not a unique situation however, it is indicative of the wider challenges confronted by traders of fruit across the region.

The inflow of apples that come from other countries and into Indian markets has been reported as one of the reasons for the decline in prices for locally-grown apples. As a result, those who manage cold storage facilities are calling for government intervention in order to lessen the negative impact on this sector. Anjum Abrar, a manager of a cold storage facility has stressed the vital importance of these facilities to sustain the demand and supply chain. The latter helps growers with more steady yields. A possible end to the use of cold storage facilities used by traders may have a wide-ranging impact and not just for the trade in fruit however, but also the job opportunities of many thousands dependent on this particular sector.

(Rs 100 = EUR1.10 [ Rs 100 = EUR1.10

Source: kashmirconvener.com