The fear of apple prices soaring by 40-45 per cent during the festive season due to the floods in Jammu & Kashmir appears to be speculative if market players’ opinions are considered.

While retail prices have risen about 10 per cent in Delhi, most do not expect to see them rising any further as supply from Himachal Pradesh is ample and the extent of damage to the crop is restricted to lower orchards and packed produce at J&K’s mandis.

“Prices have not been particularly attractive, a minor hike of ₹100-200\20-kg pack is what we have noticed,” said Ravinder Chauhan, President, Apple Growers Association of India (AGAI). Himachal Pradesh is estimated to have produced two crore boxes this season (50 boxes make one tonne).

“A 20-kg box was selling at ₹1,200-1,300 last year and we began the year at ₹1,600-1,700. It’s now between ₹1,100-1,300. In my opinion, lower supply from J&K won’t influence prices anymore. There maybe a slight increase around December-January but it should be offset when stored apples are released. Fruits are now available through the year, the concept of seasonal fruits has changed,” he said.

The AGAI estimates that 40-45 per cent of the crop in J&K has been destroyed while about 25 per cent has been partially damaged, thereby causing considerable financial losses of up to ₹500 crore. It is in line with an Assocham study released last month that estimated the sector losing up to ₹1,000 crore with big apple-producing districts such as Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara being particularly affected by the floods.

Limited damage

Traders based in J&K, however, said that flooding affected transportation far more than the crop itself. “The bigger orchards are on higher ground. Packaged apples lying at mandis were damaged but the main losses were due to roads being affected,” said Puneet Gupta of Jammu-based Mahavir Fruit Traders.

Gupta said that price hikes depended entirely on the quality demanded by consumers. “During peak season, availability of good quality applies is greater but around December, such produce will be available in lesser numbers which is usually the case. Prices may rise a little then but I don’t see supplies being hit,” he said.

Delhi retailers also did not anticipate a further price hike once produce from J&K is available. Ramesh, a South Delhi fruit seller, who procures apples from Azadpur, did not expect higher prices in the months to come. “The price at this time last year was ₹100-110/kg, it’s about ₹ 120-130/kg now,” he said.

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