Kashmir’s cold storage network has become the backbone of the Valley’s apple economy, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality fruit to markets across India even as demand peaks. On average, around 150 truckloads of apples leave the Valley every day, highlighting both the scale and resilience of the sector.
Over the years, cold storage facilities have expanded across major apple-growing belts in south and north Kashmir. Equipped with controlled-atmosphere and temperature-regulated chambers, these storages help extend the shelf life of apples, reduce post-harvest losses, and maintain uniform quality during long-distance transport. Growers say these facilities have transformed post-harvest management and strengthened Kashmir’s position in national fruit markets.
Basheer Ahmad Bashir, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Association, said cold storages are now indispensable for maintaining quality, regulating supply, and securing better returns for farmers. “Cold storage facilities allow apples to be released in a planned manner, preserving freshness and helping farmers avoid distress sales. This is why Kashmir apples continue to hold a strong presence in markets across India,” he said.
Orchardists echoed the benefits. Showkat Ahmad, an apple grower from south Kashmir, said, “Earlier, we had to sell our produce immediately after harvest, often at low prices. With cold storage, we can store apples safely and release them when rates are better. It has given farmers much-needed breathing space.”
Bashir noted that improved storage and logistics enable Kashmiri apples to reach distant markets in good condition, even months after harvest. Controlled release of fruit has also helped stabilize prices, benefiting both growers and consumers.
However, he cautioned that emerging international trade dynamics could pose challenges. Referring to the fresh trade agreement between India and New Zealand, Bashir said the pact could increase competition in domestic markets over time by facilitating imports of premium fruits. “While the impact may not be immediate, it makes strengthening cold storage, improving grading and packaging, and enhancing marketing all the more important,” he added.
“While the impact may not be immediate, increased imports of premium fruits from New Zealand could intensify competition in Indian markets over time. This makes it all the more important to strengthen our cold storage capacity, improve grading and packaging, and enhance marketing of Kashmir apples,” Bashir said.
Growers and traders believe that sustained investment in post-harvest infrastructure, coupled with policy support, will be crucial to protect the interests of Kashmir’s apple industry, which remains the economic lifeline for lakhs of families in the Valley.
