Apples to cost less due to bumper crop

The apple inflow in the domestic market has increased owing to good harvest in Himachal Pradesh. The price in retail market is expected to come down to Rs 20 per kg in three weeks.

The high inflow has reduced the price of apple to Rs 35-45 per kg in retail market now. Expecting rich harvest in Kashmir in October first week, traders foresee further fall in prices.

Entire fruit market is dominated by different varieties of Himachal Royal apple. Apples are coming mainly from Simla, Kulu and Manali, where crop is good in comparison with the same period last year.

In Himachal Pradesh the apple harvest had started in the middle of August. But the supply hit the northern and southern states from September beginning only. The flow will be at the peak by November, said Balasaheb Bende, director, Agriculture Produce Market Committee. Kashmiri apple will be ready to take charge of the fruit market by then.

The wholesale market price of apple box, ranging from 18 to 22 kg, is also coming down due to the arrival of bulk volume. Apart from the medium size, large and small size apples are coming to the market. Price variation depending on the size is minor, but people buy according to their taste.

The high domestic production has affected the import of apples from Australia New Zealand and US. During lean months starting from January, Indian market look for the import. Market reports indicate that in harvest in Kashmir during current season also will be high.