Kashmir apple growers hit by price slump as imports flood Indian retail shelves

Wholesale apple prices have crashed to ₹75-80/kg in Kashmir as imported fruit from the US, South Africa and Chile surges into Indian markets. Roughly 25-30% of 300,000 MT stored in controlled atmosphere facilities remains unsold, squeezing 3.5 million people dependent on the trade across Srinagar, Pulwama and Shopian.

— Filed Mon, 18 May, 2026, 19:44 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

Kashmir apple growers face price slump with wholesale rates at ₹75-80/kg as imported apples from US, South Africa and Chile flood Indian markets; 25-30% of 300,000 MT stored produce remains unsold in CA facilities.

Why this matters

Kashmir's apple economy faces import-led price compression, with controlled atmosphere stocks unsold and grower margins eroding across Srinagar, Pulwama and Shopian.

Retail-brand signals steady at 330 over the last 90 days.