Kashmiri apple supplies fall short of Diwali demand due to fungal outbreak
A scab outbreak has caused quality to deteriorate, leaving fruit mandis with inadequate supplies of high-grade apples for the festive season.
Supplies of Kashmiri apples are inadequate in fruit mandis despite steady festive demand ahead of Diwali, according to reports by Daily Excelsior and The Economic Times.
Zahoor Ahad Tantray, general secretary of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said a scab outbreak has significantly deteriorated crop quality this year.
Tantray stated that between 50 to 55 per cent or up to 60 per cent of arriving apples are Grade B and C. He noted these grades have very low demand in the current market.
The general secretary added that while the cost of production is identical for all grades, only Grade A apples fetch good money. He said growers, traders, and buyers are worried as quality has declined.
Mohammad Sohail Tanveer, a dealer from Bihar, said he is satisfied with current prices. He noted a wooden crate is selling for around Rs 1,300 and a cardboard carton for up to Rs 600.
Tanveer also said that around 400 to 500 truckloads leave the market every day due to the Diwali season.