Srinagar, The recent surge in apple imports from South Africa, endorsed by the Modi administration, is reportedly undermining the apple industry in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, causing considerable economic strain.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the facilitation agreement between India and South Africa for in-transit sterilization has notably increased South Africa’s apple market share within India. This agreement enables South African apples to quickly penetrate Indian retail markets, presenting stiff competition to Kashmiri apple producers.

Local growers and traders have voiced their concerns over the adverse impacts of this import policy, noting a significant drop in apple prices from the peak season rates observed in October-November 2023. The influx of South African apples into Indian supermarkets and online platforms has led to decreased demand for Kashmiri apples, plummeting prices, and consequential financial losses for the regional industry.

Tariq Ahmad, a Shopian-based fruit grower, lamented the sharp decline in market rates for apple boxes, which used to fetch Rs 800-1000 but now sell for much less, thereby engendering substantial economic difficulties for local growers.

The predicament is exacerbated for buyers who procured apples at higher prices last fall, now facing market values less than half of their purchase rates in addition to shouldering cold storage costs around Rs 300 per box. Bashir Ahmad Basheer, the chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, highlighted a more than 40% loss for growers attributed to the diminishing demand and price drop caused by the influx of South African apples.

In light of these challenges, Basheer has appealed for governmental intervention to safeguard the interests of Kashmiri apple producers, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize domestic produce to mitigate the financial damages inflicted on the local apple industry.