The cherry yield in Himachal Pradesh was 35% lower due to a dry winter. However, the premium quality of the fruit grown in Nankhari area is fetching record prices of ₹400 to ₹900 a kg. After the lean crop that resulted in losses last year, the cherry season got off to a good start this time.
The stone fruit arrival in state markets was delayed by a fortnight due to the dry winter and hailstorms that followed, damaging the crop. But growers are hopeful of reaping a rich harvest as the fruit is fetching double the rates of last year in view of the demand.
Last year, cherry reached the market on April 13 and could be bought for ₹200/kg. This time, the produce reached the market in April-end and the cherry grown in the Nankhari area of Shimla is available for a record ₹400/kg in the Dhalli market.
[ ₹100 = €1.10 ]
Source: hindustantimes.com