Wholesale prices of Kashmir’s major apple varieties have moved in sharply different directions in recent years, with the average rate of Delicious apples falling by nearly 35 per cent between 2019-20 and 2023-24, while Hazratbali and several other varieties recorded substantial gains, official data show.
According to data compiled by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Jammu and Kashmir, in its 49th edition of the Digest of Statistics, the average wholesale price of Delicious apples declined from Rs 708 per 16-kg box in 2019-20 to Rs 458 in 2023-24, a drop of about 35 per cent.
The data are sourced from the Directorate of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing), J&K, and the Agriculture Production Department (Horticulture), J&K.
The figures highlight the changing price dynamics among apple varieties in J&K, one of India’s major apple-producing regions, where growers have traditionally relied heavily on varieties such as Delicious.
While Delicious prices weakened over the five years, several other varieties recorded gains.
The average wholesale price of American apples rose from Rs 520 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 626 in 2023-24, an increase of about 20 per cent. Kesri prices increased from Rs 268 to Rs 327, while Maharaji registered a marginal decline from Rs 369 to Rs 353.
Hazratbali recorded the steepest increase among the varieties listed in the table, with its average wholesale price rising from Rs 241 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 434 in 2023-24, an increase of about 80 per cent.
Razahwari also recorded a significant rise, with its average wholesale rate increasing from Rs 254 to Rs 342 per box during the period.
The divergent movement suggests that market returns have varied considerably across varieties, potentially influencing growers’ choices as they reassess the economics of traditional and newer orchard varieties.
The longer historical series shows that Delicious prices have also been highly volatile. The average wholesale rate stood at Rs 318.39 per box in 2000-01 before surging to Rs 906.19 in 2001-02. It subsequently fluctuated, reaching Rs 605 in 2013-14 and Rs 876.92 in 2016-17, before easing to Rs 791.66 in 2017-18, Rs 863 in 2018-19 and Rs 708 in 2019-20.
The price fell further to Rs 665.85 in 2020-21, recovered to Rs 733 in 2021-22 and then declined sharply to Rs 545 in 2022-23 and Rs 458 in 2023-24.
The long-term data also show substantial gains in some other varieties. The average wholesale price of American apples increased from Rs 268.93 per box in 2000-01 to Rs 626 in 2023-24, while Hazratbali rose from Rs 141.50 to Rs 434 over the same period.
The price movement was not confined to apples. Pear, another important fruit crop in J&K, recorded an average wholesale rate of Rs 716 per box in 2023-24, compared with Rs 453 in 2019-20, an increase of nearly 58 per cent.
Cherry prices also rose, from Rs 74 per box in 2019-20 to Rs 126 in 2023-24.
The Department of Economics and Statistics notes that box weights vary by fruit and variety. The table uses a 16-kg box for apples, 18 kg for pears and 10 kg for plums, while cherry prices are recorded per kilogram.
For apple growers, the contrasting price trends underline the importance of variety selection as the region’s horticulture sector faces changing consumer preferences, evolving market demand and increasing competition from newer varieties.
The price data also provide context for the growing emphasis on improved and high-density orchards in J&K’s horticulture strategy. Growers are increasingly looking for varieties and orchard systems that can improve productivity, marketability and returns.
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