Nestled in the heart of central Kashmir, the Ganderbal district holds a jewel in the crown of the Union Territory’s horticultural economy—its cherry orchards. With nearly 60% of Jammu and Kashmir’s total cherry production coming from this region, Ganderbal is not just a district; it is the lifeline of thousands of growers, a symbol of nature’s generosity, and a living repository of Kashmir’s horticultural traditions.
As the cherry season of 2025 draws to a close, it arrives not only with baskets of red and glistening fruit but also with stories of hardship, resilience, and renewed hope. While the challenges of weather and market have left their mark on this year’s yield, the spirit of the farmers and the promising steps being taken for the future offer a powerful message: from struggle can bloom strength, and from adversity, opportunity.
Cherry cultivation in Ganderbal spans nearly 1,200 hectares and supports the livelihood of close to 5,000 growers. The villages of Lar, Waliwar, Chuntwaliwar, Gutlibagh, Zazna, and many others paint a picturesque landscape in late spring and early summer, when their orchards are heavy with ripe, glossy cherries. Varieties like Mishri, Double, Makhmali, and Awwal Number are among the most cherished fruits in Indian markets, known for their flavor, color, and freshness.
Farming here is more than a profession—it is a tradition. Generations have nurtured these orchards with care, preserving ancient techniques while adapting to the needs of the modern market. But even the most seasoned growers found this year’s journey to be particularly challenging.
This year, the excitement of harvest was dimmed by a series of unfavorable developments. A hailstorm struck just as the cherries were nearing their peak, bruising and splitting the delicate fruits. These weather events, paired with fluctuating temperatures and intermittent rain, affected both the quality and the volume of the produce. For a fruit as perishable as cherries, even a minor blemish can mean the difference between a premium price and market rejection.
Further compounding the issue was the drop in demand. Unlike past years where tourists and wholesale buyers flocked to the Valley, the market this year has been sluggish. Prices have plummeted by up to 40%, and many farmers are grappling with whether it is even economically viable to harvest their crop. With the cost of labour, packaging, and transportation rising, many cherries were left unpicked—an emotional and financial loss for growers.
Yet amid these struggles, something remarkable is happening. The story of this year’s cherry season is not merely one of despair; it is one of transition, resilience, and hope for a better tomorrow.
The most uplifting development came on June 3, 2025, when a consignment of high-quality Kashmiri cherries was dispatched by train to Mumbai. For the first time, railway transport was successfully used to reduce transit time, lower costs, and preserve the freshness of the fruit. This step is a game-changer. It opens new logistical pathways, ensures reduced spoilage, and gives farmers access to distant, high-demand markets without depending solely on traditional trucking routes.
Even more exciting is Kashmir’s formal entry into the global cherry market. Under the guidance of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), cherries were exported to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This is not just a trade milestone—it is a declaration that Kashmiri produce belongs on the world stage said growers. With careful planning, quality control, and cold-chain infrastructure, the dream of “Grown in Kashmir, loved worldwide” is within reach.
Despite these successes, farmers remain in need of support. Their calls are reasonable: stabilize cherry prices through government procurement schemes, provide crop insurance to mitigate weather-related losses, invest in cold storage facilities near orchard zones, and simplify access to distant markets through subsidized transport.
Moreover, growers are requesting training in post-harvest management, grading, packaging, and export standards—areas where minor improvements can lead to significant value addition. The potential for cherry-based value products—jams, juices, and dried fruit—is another unexplored frontier that could enhance profitability and create local employment.
What defines Ganderbal’s cherry season of 2025 is not the adversity itself, but the grit and vision of its people. Growers who have endured uncertain weather and market shocks are still tending to their orchards, innovating, and adapting. From field to market, their commitment to preserving Kashmir’s cherry legacy is unwavering.
As one farmer from Chuntwaliwar put it: “We don’t ask for charity. We ask for fairness, infrastructure, and a future for our children.” Their voices echo across the Valley, not in despair, but in determination.
If supported with the right mix of policy, infrastructure, and innovation, Ganderbal could become not just India’s cherry heartland, but a global hub of excellence in temperate fruit cultivation. Exporting to foreign markets, leveraging digital platforms for sales, establishing farmer cooperatives, and investing in research and development can revolutionize this industry.
Cherries are more than a fruit. They are a living symbol of Kashmir’s natural bounty, its skilled hands, and its cultural soul. And if the journey of this harvest season has shown us anything, it is that hope remains rooted even when the skies turn grey.
With resilience in their hearts and the taste of sweet cherries in their hands, Ganderbal’s farmers are ready to face the next season—not with fear, but with faith.
