Srinagar, May 20: Fruit growers and dealers in Kashmir see the boycott of Turkish apples as a positive development for their local produce. They believe it will give a much-needed push to the demand for Kashmiri apples in the domestic market.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Chairman, Apple Growers and Dealers Association Kashmir, told Rising Kashmir that they have long demanded restrictions on imported apples. “A large quantity of fruit comes from countries like Turkey, China, Iran, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. This affects the demand for local fruit,” he said.
Bashir said that as demand for local apples drops, so do the prices. “A significant quantity of apples comes from Turkey, if not in bulk. Now that traders in India have decided to boycott Turkish apples, it will benefit local fruit growers not only in Kashmir but also in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” he added.
Shabir Ahmad Kumar, a grower from Qaimoh in Kulgam district, said he has leased 120 kanals of land under Italy-based apple varieties and grows nearly 15 types of apples. He welcomed the boycott of Turkish apples, calling it a boon for local cultivation.
“This move will benefit orchardists in Kashmir. Farmers should focus on apple cultivation for better returns,” Kumar said. Adding, “As tourism has been hit, people should turn towards agriculture and horticulture to earn their livelihood. If apples from foreign countries are restricted in the Indian market, it will significantly boost the Kashmir apple industry. We are expecting good returns this year.”
