Apple farmers in India face economic benefits as well as climate-driven challenges because of changing markets and climate. In Kashmir the growers profit of the growing demand for storage apple, whereas in the Himachal in the Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, growers have to contend with decreasing snowfalls, which affect their apple orchards.

In Kashmir the demand for apple kept in cold storage facilities is increasing, causing growers to start releasing their apples earlier in order in order to make the most profit. The norm is that apples from Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage will be released mid-February however this year the sales started in the month of January. Javid Ahmad Reshie, who is a farmer from Shopian reported that an average 10-kilogram apple box retails for around $16-18, while 16-kilogram containers are selling cost between $22 and $24. The the cold storage facilities at Pulwama and Shopian had reached their capacity to the maximum, hoping for better rates in the market.

The previous year, 20% of the apples stored in storage remained unsold because of imported varieties. The increase in demand this year is making growers optimistic. About 300,000 metric tons of apples are kept in CA units in the Valley which contribute to the annual regional yield of 2-2.5 million tonnes. There was a brief dip in demand because of the Delhi election, however prices soared. Mehraj Ahmad, who is a director of the cold storage unit stressed the necessity for better packaging and grading for imports to stay competitive.

Apple farmers in the Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district face difficulties because of the lower snowfall. The rainfall was 77% lower than average during January-February. The farmers move snow uphill in order to keep the soil’s the moisture. Suresh Borish, who is an orchardist explained “Due to the inability of irrigation infrastructure the farmers rely upon snowfall for water. With less snowfall we must transport snow out of areas shaded by trees which last longer and then place it on the apple trees.” If this is not done, the young trees are at risk of suffering from drying. Experts warn that the current drought could affect the apple harvest by 30% in the coming year.

The changing climate is causing farmers to leave traditional varieties of apple such as ‘royal’ and in favour more durable varieties such as “spur.’ According to the India Meteorological Department reported that Kinnaur had the lowest rainfall of 90% in January than normal from February, causing more problems.

The apple farmers of Kashmir profit from better markets, Himachal Pradesh growers struggle to overcome the effects of climate change. Both regions are a reflection of the changing problems that India’s industry of apples faces. It is essential to invest in methods that can withstand climate change as well as better irrigation and the expansion of cold storage are vital to ensure the apple industry’s survival throughout the country.

Source: Down to Earth

Source: Good Morning Kashmir