Bangladesh, a key market for early apple varieties from Kashmir such as American and Red Delicious, is currently experiencing unrest, causing concern among growers and dealers about the potential impact on exports. The situation has led to a suspension of apple shipments to Bangladesh, with the Sopore fruit mandi and other markets in Kashmir feeling the immediate effects.
Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, highlighted the disruption, noting that while a few trucks of early varieties were initially shipped, trade had to be halted due to the unrest. Malik further stated that over 70 percent of the American apple variety from north Kashmir is typically shipped to Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of the Bangladeshi market for Kashmiri apples.
Traders have observed a decrease in demand for Kashmiri apples in Bangladesh, with more than 30 trucks loaded with apples usually heading to Bangladesh daily during the peak season. The uncertainty has left growers like Ghulam Qadir Bhat in a dilemma over finding prospective buyers for their produce. The partnership between Kashmiri exporters and Bangladeshi distributors and retailers has been crucial in meeting the growing demand for Kashmiri apples in Bangladesh, fostering economic collaboration between the two regions.
Source: thekashmirmonitor.net