Apple Prices in India Rise 35%: What’s Driving this Surge?

Apple prices in India have increased sharply after adverse weather conditions damaged the Himachali apple harvest. This has increased the demand for Kashmiri apples. According to recent reports, wholesale prices of Kashmiri apples have increased by as much as 35% in national markets.

The decrease in Himachal Pradesh’s apple production has related to spring drought, heatwaves during flowering and heavy rain late in the season. Nearly 1.30 crore boxes of apples had reached markets in Himachal. Moreover, this reduced supply has impacted growers, traders and processing operations.

Another Reason Behind Rise in Apple prices

In this aftermath, buyers from Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are travelling to Kashmir to procure the apple directly. Shockingly, Kashmir apple harvest has also faced weather-related challenges. In addition, hailstorms and erratic rainfall have reduced yields by an estimated 20–30% this season. Despite lower volumes, strong demand has supported prices of apple varieties such as Delicious, Kullu Delicious and Maharaji.

What’s Impact on Apple Farmers and Markets?

Currently, the apple prices reflect a supply shortage in northern India. Generally, weather conditions, fruit quality and transportation costs play a crucial role in deciding the market rates during the apple harvest season. Not only this, improved freight services and smoother highway movement are helping traders transport apples to major consumption centres. In addition, faster deliveries can reduce spoilage of harvested apples.

There is no doubt in this fact that higher prices may not fully offset production losses. The changes in prices of apple varieties will depend on fresh arrivals, demand and logistics in the upcoming weeks.