The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) has released its forecast for the 2025 Washington fresh apple crop, projecting a bumper harvest of 142 million standard forty-pound boxes. The forecast has caused concern among Kashmiri growers and traders over increased competition in Indian markets.
WSTFA represents growers, packers, and marketers of Washington apples, pears, and sweet cherries. Its forecast is based on a survey of members and reflects the expected volume of apples harvested in 2025 that will be packed and sold on the fresh market. The estimate excludes apples destined for processing. Harvest typically begins in August and continues into November. The association noted that the forecast is still subject to changes related to weather, labour supply, and market conditions that could affect the final total.
Reacting to the projection, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the All Kashmir Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, said, "The More the production, the more would be the supplies of this foreign variety into India and other markets. Washington Apple is our biggest challenge among all overseas varieties." He added that Washington apples have previously reduced the market share of Kashmiri apples in hubs such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
The Kashmiri industry has called for higher duties on imported Washington apples to protect local growers. Basheer stated, "The Union Agriculture Minister has promised us that a cap for the sale of these apples in India will be enhanced to 0.96 US$ per kilogram from the existing 0.60 US$ per kilogram. With the transportation and other overhead charges, this foreign apple will eventually be available in India at no less than 1.45 US$ per kg." He warned that any move to abolish duties on Washington apples "will prove to be a death knell for Kashmir's yield."
In Washington, growers continue to face challenges such as labour shortages and drought. Despite these issues, WSTFA expects high-quality output across varieties. The Cosmic Crisp (WA-38), developed by Washington State University for Eastern Washington's growing conditions, has quickly gained market share since its introduction in 2020. For the first time, it enters the WSTFA forecast as one of the top five varieties.
Source: Greater Kashmir
