Kashmir Fruit Growers Rush for Cold Storage as Demand Exceeds Capacity

SRINAGAR: As the apple harvesting season nears in Kashmir, cold storage facilities are once again proving to be a lifeline for fruit growers who are securing early bookings to preserve their produce.

With a current cold storage capacity of around 4 lakh metric tonnes (MT) in the valley, growers and officials alike are calling for the expansion of storage infrastructure to meet growing demand.

Growers from various fruit-rich areas told that the existing units have helped them fetch better returns in the market, as storing apples for late-season sale significantly boosts prices.

They said there are about two months till the traditional apple season starts, but bookings have begun already as growers have benefited from cold storage units.

“Last year, I stored around 500 boxes of apples in a cold store and sold them in April. The rates were much higher than what I would have received during peak season,” said Ghulam Rasool Wani, a grower from Shopian. “But many others couldn’t get space due to limited capacity.”

According to official data, there are around 85 cold storage units currently operating across Kashmir, mostly located in Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts. The combined capacity, however, is falling short of the valley’s annual production, which crosses 20 lakh MT of apples.

“Every year, we receive far more booking requests than we can accommodate,” said Fayaz Ahmad, manager of a leading cold storage unit in Lassipora. “This year, bookings started as early as July, with many units already partially booked.”

Government officials admit the infrastructure needs expansion to support Kashmir’s horticulture economy. “Cold storage is vital for post-harvest management. We are encouraging private players and cooperatives to set up more units through subsidies and soft loans,” said a senior official from the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department.

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and other schemes, the government is offering financial assistance of up to a 50% subsidy for setting up cold storage infrastructure, especially Controlled Atmosphere (CA) units.

“We are working to enhance cold storage capacity by another three lakh metric tonnes in the next few years to support growers and reduce post-harvest losses,” the official added.

Growers have appreciated the government’s support, but insist more needs to be done. “Without adequate storage, we’re forced to sell apples at throwaway prices,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, an orchardist from Anantnag. “We urge the government to expedite the clearance process for new units and extend support to small growers forming cooperatives.”

With apple production likely to be normal this year despite weather challenges, the demand for cold storage is only expected to rise.

Stakeholders believe that timely investment in this sector can significantly improve incomes and reduce distress sales, thereby strengthening the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy. (KNO)