Apple prices crash by 50 pc as arrivals from Himachal Pradesh increase

Apple prices have crashed by almost 50% in a month as the arrival of the produce from the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has increased, while the harvest of Kashmir apples is about to begin. Duty-free import of apples from Afghanistan, which will increase in a few weeks, will also influence the price trends in the coming weeks, said experts.

At the Azadpur wholesale market in Delhi, prices of top quality apples have nearly halved to Rs 80-90 per kg.

“The increase in arrivals has reduced the rates in the last 15 days. However, the heavy downpour in Shopian in Kashmir may affect the arrival of apples from Kashmir," said Vijay Talra, wholesaler of apples at Azadpur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee in Delhi.



High temperatures and drought-like conditions in the summer season followed by heavy rainfall severely damaged the quality of Himachal apples this year.

“Prices had shot up in July as there were fears of a substantial fall in apple production. However, arrivals have increased as the apples from the middle reaches are being harvested,” said Pradeep Chauhan, president, Artiya Association of the Shimla mandi.

Worried about quality issues, big corporations have delayed their apple procurement operations by 15-20 days this year. “Many companies had suffered losses last year as apples in the cold storages had rotted on a large scale. They are being very cautious this year,” said a trader from Himachal Pradesh who requested not to be identified.

Apart from local production, increasing import of apples has been a big factor influencing domestic apple prices since last year.


“The arrival of apples from Afghanistan is expected to increase in the coming weeks, which would be a key factor that would influence apple prices in the coming months,” said Akash Chhabra, a Delhi-based apple trader.

India imports duty-free apples from Afghanistan through the Wagah border. Last year, the prices of Afghan apples were about 40% less than those of domestic apples.

“Losses inflicted by inclement weather and subdued prices due to cheaper import of apples from Iran and Afghanistan have affected the earnings of farmers. India should increase the import duty on apples to protect our farmers,” said Ravinder Chauhan, president, Apple Growers’ Association of India.