Traders said imports would rise because domestic supply of walnuts has fallen by a third, while demand is strong. In the case of apples, a ...

Over 90% of the country’s walnut production comes from Kashmir.

Traditionally sales pick up from Rakhi and peak closer to Diwali, which falls on Oct 27 this year.

For apples, the impact would be delayed because the new harvest is expected sometime in July.

The prices of dry fruits have firmed up by 15% to 20% over the past one year, say traders, except for walnut and raisins.

From being sold loose through wholesale channels, nuts and dry fruits have now reached the modern retail shelves with its demand increasing...