Apple storage headache for Indian growers

Apple production has increased this year with as many as 150 trucks with over 100,000 apple boxes le…

Apple production has increased this year with as many as 150 trucks with over 100,000 apple boxes leaving everyday from Shopian Mandi to different areas in India. However, they are facing difficulty in storing the amount of apples.

Chief Horticulture officer for Shopian, Sushil Kumar has said almost 70%-80% area of the district Shopian comes under fruit belt producing 200,600 metric tonnes of apples. Officials have said the district has 50% A-grade apples which is much better than last year, "Last year was damaged by floods but this year we have better fruit."

A proposal of 310,500,000 million has been sent to the government to give to the farmers as compensation for flood affected crops.

A range of apples are grown throughout the district including Delicious, American, Mahragee, Hazratbali, Focla and two new varieties Red Chip and Galamas. Around 22,000 families in the district are involved with the apple industry. The apples of Shopian are famous all over the country due to the climate they have.

Kumar has also said that his department engages themselves throughout the year in educating the growers about new techniques and schemes introduced in the market.