Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 28: As Kashmir strives to revive its economy amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the arrival of fresh fruits in local markets has offered little solace. While the region’s famed cherries have begun to appear in abundance, demand remains sluggish, leaving growers disheartened.
Despite a promising harvest, the economic slowdown and geopolitical strain have cast a shadow over the Valley’s horticulture sector. A survey by Kashmir Despatch reveals that while markets are stocked with fresh Kashmiri cherries, buyers are scarce, leaving farmers struggling to secure fair prices.
A Season of Beauty and Struggle
Cherry cultivation in Kashmir—primarily in Ganderbal, Shopian, Baramulla, and Srinagar—marks the beginning of the Valley’s fruit season. The region contributes nearly 95% of India’s cherry production, making it a vital source of livelihood for thousands of farming families.
Yet, this year, the optimism of a fruitful season has faded.
“We had a good yield, but the market response has been poor,” said Ghulam Hassan, a grower from Ganderbal. “Low prices have left us worried about covering our costs.”
Shabir Ahmad, a farmer from Baramulla, echoed the concern: “Cherries usually bring hope, but this time, the outlook is bleak. We don’t know what lies ahead.”
Kashmir’s cherry orchards boast eight major varieties, from the sweet Mishri to the deep-red Makhmali and firm Dabal. While traditional types like Mishri dominate local markets due to their sweetness and shelf life, horticulture experts are urging farmers to adopt hardier European varieties that withstand erratic weather and last longer.
“Traditional cherries are vulnerable to climate shifts,” said an expert from SKUAST-Kashmir. “Newer strains offer better resilience, but adoption has been slow.”
Many farmers, reliant on generational knowledge, hesitate to switch without proper guidance.
“We need more than subsidies—we need training on pruning, irrigation, and pest control,” admitted Riyaz Ahmad, a Baramulla grower.
Before the 1930s, Kashmir’s cherry production was limited to native types, some growing wild.
“One such variety is Vushkant, sour but valued in herbal medicine,” said Tassaduq Mueen, an agriculture officer. “It thrives in Kokernag and Dachigam but isn’t commercially popular.”
The shift began when Afghan trader Afandi introduced French varieties like Double and Mishri during Maharaja Hari Singh’s reign. Later, in 1989, the horticulture department imported strains like Stella, Van, and Sum Bust, which are gradually replacing older cultivars due to their size and market appeal.
Amid the challenges, a new initiative offers hope. For the first time, Kashmiri cherries will be transported to Mumbai by train, starting June 3, ensuring faster and safer delivery of perishable produce.
Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Jammu, confirmed that a full parcel van has been allocated for 24 tonnes of cherries from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station to Bandra, Mumbai. The journey will take just 30 hours.
“This is a result of collaboration with the Horticulture Department and growers’ associations,” Singhal said. “If successful, it could revolutionize perishable goods transport from the region, benefiting both farmers and railways.”
The move aligns with the operationalization of the newly established Jammu Railway Division, inaugurated earlier this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Will the Market Revive?
As Kashmir’s cherry growers navigate low demand and shifting cultivation practices, the railway initiative could be a turning point. Yet, the bigger question remains: Will geopolitical tensions ease, allowing trade to flourish once again?
For now, the fields remain red with ripe cherries—but for farmers, the wait for green (profit) continues.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
