Srinagar, Jul 28 (KNO): The harvesting of high-density apples has begun on an encouraging note across Kashmir, with growers receiving between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per kilogram directly at orchard sites, even before grading, packing or transportation.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the strong opening prices have raised hopes of a profitable season for thousands of orchardists, who say buyers are purchasing fruit directly from orchards due to its superior quality and attractive colour.
"We are receiving Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kilogram without spending on packing material or transport. Buyers are coming directly to our orchards, which has reduced our marketing expenses considerably," said Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a high-density apple grower from Shopian.
Another grower, Abdul Rashid Wani from Pulwama said the early market response has exceeded expectations.
"The colour, size and uniformity of high-density apples are much better than traditional varieties. Traders are willing to pay premium prices because they know the fruit has strong demand in wholesale markets," he said.
Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, another orchardist from Anantnag said although establishing a high-density orchard requires heavy investment, the returns justify the expenditure.
"The initial investment is several times higher than conventional orchards because of imported plants, trellis systems and drip irrigation. However, the orchards start commercial production within two to three years and the returns are much better if market prices remain favourable," he added.
Introduced in Jammu and Kashmir over a decade ago under the High-Density Plantation Programme, the new system has gradually transformed the Valley's apple industry. Unlike traditional orchards, where trees are planted at wider spacing and generally begin commercial bearing after seven to ten years, high-density plantations accommodate many more trees per hectare and start yielding economically within a much shorter period.
The system also enables scientific canopy management, efficient irrigation, better sunlight penetration and easier mechanisation, resulting in improved fruit quality, higher productivity and reduced labour requirements.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department, thousands of hectares have already been brought under high-density plantations as part of efforts to rejuvenate ageing orchards and enhance productivity. Officials have consistently promoted the system to increase growers' income while improving the global competitiveness of Kashmiri apples.
The Horticulture sector remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's rural economy, supporting nearly 3.5 million people directly or indirectly. The Union Territory produces over 21 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, accounting for more than 70 percent of India's apple production, making Kashmir the country's largest apple-producing region.
Horticulture experts believe that the shift towards high-density cultivation is helping improve productivity, with properly managed orchards capable of producing substantially higher yields per hectare than conventional plantations.
They, however, emphasised the need for continued government support in the form of quality planting material, scientific extension services, cold storage expansion and better market linkages to sustain the sector's growth—(KNO)