“Apple Farmers Federation of India Takes Bold Steps to Revive Declining Apple Industry and Drive Policy Advocacy”

Aaqib Naik

Shopian, 08 July : Shopian District, often hailed as the apple town of Kashmir, is renowned for its bountiful apple production. According to official horticulture records, a staggering 26,000 hectares of land are dedicated to apple cultivation in this region. The fertile lands of Shopian nurture a diverse range of apple varieties, including the  Red Delicious, Golden, American, White Dotted Red, and Gala, among others.

According to horticulture records, Shopian District witnessed a remarkable apple production of 3.6 lakh Metric Tons (MT) in the previous year, 2022. However, the current year’s forecast predicts a tentative production of 3 million Metric Tons.

The apple industry in Shopian District, a major contributor to the local and regional economy, is currently facing a series of challenges that threaten its stability and profitability. The sector has been grappling with declining market rates, unfavorable government policies, and logistical hurdles, which have posed significant obstacles for apple growers in the district.

One of the key concerns raised by growers is the steady decrease in the prices they command for their quality apples. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the recent decision by the government to lower the tax rate on imported Washington apples. This move makes foreign apples more affordable for consumers, reducing the competitiveness of locally produced apples and having a detrimental impact on the income and livelihoods of apple growers in the region.

Recognizing the crucial role played by apple farming in the region’s economy, the Apple Farmers Federation of India has taken a significant initiative to address these challenges. They have announced a two-day mass awareness program in Shopian, aiming to provide a platform for growers to voice their concerns and seek effective solutions. By equipping growers with knowledge, support, and resources, the federation aims to create a conducive environment for apple farming in the district.

Speaking about the challenges faced by the apple industry, a federation memberAafaq Ahmad highlighted issues such as traffic halts during crucial harvesting seasons and unregulated traffic congestions, which disrupt the transportation of the fruit to different markets for sale. These delays have a significant impact on the quality and freshness of the apples, ultimately affecting the profitability of growers.

Another member, while speaking with Arising state, expressed the declining apple industry not only affects the growers but also has wider implications for the local economy and community. The loss of jobs, decreased revenue, and the potential disappearance of a vital agriculture sector have far-reaching consequences.

The former president of Fruit Mandi Shopian, Mohammad Ashraf, has expressed concern over the recent government decision to decrease the tax rate on Washington apples by 20%. This reduction brings the tax down from 70% to 50% and is expected to have a significant negative impact on the region’s apple industry.

Ashraf emphasized that Washington apples are renowned for their high quality but face stiff competition from premium Kashmiri and Himachal apples. With the decrease in duty, growers fear that consumers will be more inclined to choose the cheaper Washington apples over the premium quality produce of the region. This shift in consumer preference adds additional pressure to an industry that is already struggling.

As the situation unfolds, industry players, growers, and consumers will be closely observing how the government responds to the concerns raised by local growers and the demands put forth by the federation for the betterment of the apple industry in the valley. The fate of the growers and the apple industry hangs in the balance, and their resilience in the face of these challenges will determine their ability to thrive in the coming years.