The recent floods in Jammu & Kashmir, which produce nearly three-quarters of India's apples, caused major supply-chain disruptions and losses exceeding USD 22 million so far, reports Izhan Javeed of fresh produce exporter Green Valley Agro Fresh. "More than 1,000 trucks carrying close to 10,000 tonnes of fruit remain stranded due to highway closures, causing delayed distribution and a temporary scarcity of apples in some markets across India."
According to Javeed, "The worst impact has been on Galas and other early cultivars currently being harvested in low-altitude belts. Most fruit from these lower areas ripens and is picked earlier, so produce from these regions is suffering most acutely from the floods." He adds that the main apple season in Kashmir is set to start in full swing after 21st September, which means further losses could still occur if conditions do not improve. "Production losses are currently in the range of 5 to 10 percent."
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Javeed notes that roughly 10% of farmers in these vulnerable zones are impacted by flood damage, primarily due to waterlogging. "Many growers are holding back their produce and working to drain the excess water in their orchards. If weather conditions improve and drainage is sustained over the next 15 to 20 days, long-term damage is unlikely as waterlogged trees can withstand temporary stress and recover with prompt drainage."
Logistical disruptions remain the central concern. "Road and highway blockages over the past week have interrupted distribution and pushed prices higher in the short-term, but the market is expected to stabilize once the roads reopen," Javeed explains while highlighting that for now, other apple-growing states like Himachal Pradesh will continue to balance availability ahead of the J&K apple season kicking off in full swing.
Looking ahead, the situation is closely tied to weather and logistics. "If roadblocks and adverse weather continue for 10 to 20 days, the losses could mount to USD 250 to 450 million, leading to severe disruptions in supply networks and shortages nationwide," Javeed warns. Despite India's apple market facing uncertainty, he hopes that recovery efforts by the State government and weather improvements will curb further losses and stabilize availability and quality.
For more information:
Izhan Javeed
Green Valley Agro Fresh
Tel: +91-99 99 957 973
Email: [email protected]
www.fruitmaster.in