Apple traders warn farmers against premature harvesting as market supply rises

The useful part

The warning comes as farmers in several parts of south Kashmir have begun harvesting early varieties, encouraged by relatively strong market prices. Traders, however, have cautioned that large-scale harvesting of unripe fruit could prove counterproductive by flooding wholesale markets before the main harvesting season gets underway. Large arrivals of premature apples can affect the market and also create problems for storage," Wani said.

How it works

• He said growers in lower-lying areas had started harvesting Kullu Delicious and Delicious varieties several weeks ahead of their normal harvesting period.
• "These varieties are normally harvested after September 25, but many farmers are picking them early because of the current prices," Wani said.
• Traders fear that if the trend continues on a large scale, increased arrivals could lead to an oversupply in wholesale markets just as harvesting gathers pace in higher-altitude areas.
• Peer Shabir Ahmad, an apple trader and cultivator, said premature harvesting could hurt both growers and the wider apple trade by bringing fruit to the market before it develops the quality required for...

Details worth keeping

Apple traders in south Kashmir have urged growers not to rush into harvesting their crop, warning that premature picking could increase arrivals in wholesale markets, put downward pressure on prices and affect the quality of fruit stored in controlled-atmosphere (CA) facilities. "Farmers should avoid harvesting the fruit before it reaches maturity.