Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage units across Jammu and Kashmir are once again proving their importance for apple growers, as farmers continue to fetch encouraging returns despite recent fluctuations in market rates.
Growers said that although apple prices witnessed a dip for a brief period of one to two weeks last month, the rates have now rebounded, offering them profitable returns—though still slightly below the peak levels recorded during January and February.
According to estimates from the horticulture sector, around 20–30 per cent of the apple stock is still lying in cold storage units, giving growers the flexibility to release their produce in line with market demand.
“Rates had gone down for a short time last month, which caused some distress among growers, but now prices have picked up again,” Abdul Hameed, an orchardist from south Kashmir, said, “Though the rates are not as high as during peak winter, we are still getting good returns compared to the main harvest season.”
Another grower from Sopore, Ghulam Rasool, said the decision to store apples instead of selling them during the harvest period has turned out to be beneficial. “During the main season, there was hardly any demand, and prices were very low. That is why most of us opted for cold storage. Now, we are selling gradually and earning better profits,” he said.
Farmers said the availability of CA storage has helped them avoid distress sales and reduced their dependence on middlemen. “Earlier, we had no option but to sell immediately after harvest when markets were flooded. Now, we can wait and choose the right time,” said another grower from Shopian. “This has given us control over pricing and improved our bargaining power.”
Growers added that cold storage units were fully packed during the harvesting season last year, reflecting a shift in strategy among orchardists who preferred to wait for better market conditions rather than selling in bulk at low rates.
“Cold storage has become a lifeline for us,” said an orchard owner from Pulwama. “It allows us to send produce to markets as per demand. If we release apples in bulk, prices crash, but when supply is regulated, we get handsome returns.”
Experts believe that CA storage plays a crucial role in stabilising the market by preventing oversupply and ensuring a steady flow of produce over several months. This system not only safeguards fruit quality but also helps maintain price stability.
The improved returns from stored apples are also benefiting the broader horticulture economy, enabling growers to reinvest in better inputs such as high-quality pesticides, packaging, and modern farming techniques.
However, growers stressed the need for expanding cold storage infrastructure, particularly in remote fruit-growing areas, so that small and marginal farmers can also benefit.
“If more units are established closer to villages, it will reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses,” said a grower. “Cold storage is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for sustainable apple farming.”
With a significant portion of apples still in storage and demand expected to improve further in the coming weeks, growers remain optimistic that prices will strengthen, reinforcing the role of cold storage as a game changer for Kashmir’s fruit industry.
