With Rs 6,000 crore in exports, the apple season has been highly successful for Sopore Fruit Mandi in Baramulla, North Kashmir, Asia's second-largest fruit market.
Over 9 lakh metric tons of apples have been dispatched to date, earning Rs 6,000 crore.
Around 300 trucks are loaded daily at Mandi, bound for destinations across India and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. This impressive output underscores the critical role of horticulture, particularly high-density apple cultivation, in Kashmir's economy.
Fayaz Ahmad, President of Sopore Mandi, revealed that the facility currently holds around 24 lakh metric tons of apples. Despite a relatively dry season, approximately 95% of the produce has met high-quality standards.
"This year, we have dispatched 9 lakh metric tons so far, generating Rs 6,000 crore in revenue for our farmers and the local economy," he said.
He said the prices have rebounded after a mid-season dip, offering much-needed relief to farmers across Kashmir.
Sopore Mandi alone accounts for nearly 40% of the region's apple production, with almost 70% of India's exported apples originating from Kashmir.
Improvements in transportation infrastructure, especially on national highways, have greatly supported the region's horticulture growth. However, growers are urging further government intervention to address issues about infrastructure upgrades and counterfeit pesticides. They hope the new government will prioritise these concerns.
Established in 1989, Sopore Mandi has become the central hub for horticultural trade underscoring its lasting economic importance for Kashmir and beyond.
More than 30 lakh people in Kashmir, including seven lakh farmers, are linked with horticulture directly or indirectly.
Experts opine that investment in exporting apple juice and other products like jam can boost the revenue generated by the horticulture sector in Kashmir and employ thousands of youth.