Cherry harvesting has reached its peak in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, with growers busy picking and marketing the season’s most sought-after varieties.
Orchards across the district are seeing increased activity as farmers enter the short but crucial cherry-harvesting season, a key source of livelihood for hundreds of horticulture-dependent families.
After completing the harvest of early varieties such as Makhmali, Italy and Double, growers are now focused on the premium Mishri variety, which marks the peak phase of the season.
Cherry-laden trees, heavy with bright red fruit, are being carefully handpicked and packed for dispatch to markets within and outside Kashmir. Labourers and family members are working from early morning until late evening to ensure the timely harvesting and transportation of the highly perishable crop.
“We are currently harvesting the Mishri variety. However, the crop this year is not as good as we had expected,” said Rashid Ahmad, a cherry grower from Shopian.
He said production has declined significantly this season, with output in several orchards dropping by nearly 50 per cent.
“Erratic weather conditions during the flowering and fruit-setting stages severely affected the yield,” he added.
Growers across the district said unusually high temperatures followed by intermittent rainfall disrupted pollination and fruit development, impacting major cherry-producing areas of south Kashmir.
“This weather pattern came at the worst possible time for the crop,” said another farmer, adding that even well-maintained orchards recorded lower yields and reduced fruit size.
Despite the decline in production, farmers said demand for Shopian cherries remains strong because of their colour, sweetness and quality. Traders from different parts of the Valley have been actively purchasing the produce, while some growers are sending consignments to wholesale markets outside Kashmir.
“Prices have remained stable this season, and we are receiving a positive market response,” said Basharat Ahmad, another grower.
Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from the Imamsahib area, said that although production volumes were lower, better prices had helped offset some of the losses.
“We are getting better rates compared to last year, but the low yield has still affected our earnings,” he said.
The harvesting window, which lasts only a few weeks, has created a sense of urgency among growers and labourers, with families racing against time to complete picking before the fruit deteriorates.
Kashmir accounts for nearly 95 per cent of India’s total cherry production, with the industry generating an estimated annual revenue of Rs 130 crore to Rs 175 crore.
