Kulgam, September 10: As the harvesting season of apple starts in Kulgam district, the Fruit Mandi here is abuzz with activities, despite of low prices.
According to growers, the apple picking season began early this year due to the rain deficient in the valley. “Although, the rates are low but we cannot wait for its increase as the quality of fruit has already suffered huge damage owing to dry climate,” they added.
One of the fruit buyers, Mushtaq Ahmad Itoo, said, “He receives almost two vehicles of apple boxes everyday from growers and the rates are decided as per the grading of the fruit.”
Growers added that the fruit came under the influence of various diseases this year like Apple scab and Rust which has impact the marketing of this fruit. “We hope the demand will rise in coming days.”
Area Marketing Officer (AMO), Kulgam, Naahee said, “The marketing season in fruit Mandi kulgam started from 1st of September. These days almost 7-8 Trucks are dispatched from fruit Mandi kulgam to other stations of the country and this will increase effectively in coming days.”
