Apple growers turning to Almonds in Kashmir

Apple growers in Kashmir are turning to Almonds in wake of the unforeseen circumstances. Due to lack of cold storage facilities, apples get spoiled in some time whereas almonds can be kept for a year or two.

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir):In Jammu and Kashmir, farmers who are cultivating apples are being attracted to alternative and other agricultural sectors in the face of unpleasant conditions.

Most farmers in the southern districts of Kashmir Valley depend on apple cultivation. This year, however, farmers are suffering from problems due to unforeseen conditions because if apples are not transported to other markets in the country on time, the apples could get spoiled.

Due to lack of "cold storage" for preserving fruits, Kashmiri farmers are unable to deliver the fruits to different markets of the country on time. It is believed that the cultivation of almonds instead of apples is suitable for Kashmiris because unlike apples, almonds do not spoil even if they are stored for two to three years.

Apples need lot of care while for almonds only two pesticide sprays are enough. 40 Kilos of almonds can sell upto 4000 to 5000 rupees.

"Due to the low yield of almonds last year, the farmers turned to apple farming however this year because of the circumstances farmers are again growing almonds. "Options are often limited due to unfavourable conditions to attract the almonds harvest," said an apple grower.