As Kashmir enters its cherry season, the region's high-tech greenhouse growers are witnessing both opportunity and vulnerability within their operations. The area's cherry cultivation primarily occurs in Ganderbal, Shopian, Baramulla, and Srinagar, contributing to 95% of India's yearly production.
Ghulam Nabi Dar, a third-generation grower from Tangmarg, highlighted the industry's volatility, stating, "In our villages, the cherry tree is like a calendar—it tells us when the hard work begins, but it is also a gamble. A single hailstorm can turn a year of labour into nothing." This sentiment is prevalent among growers concerned about unpredictable climate patterns, with late spring rains and hailstorms posing challenges.
Mehrajuddin Bhat, from Ganderbal, emphasized the stakes involved. "It's not just about growing cherries—it's about surviving the season," he said. Without insurance options, any climate-induced damage directly affects growers, a reality they faced last year when a hailstorm caused a 40% loss in produce.
Kashmir produces approximately 12,000 metric tons of cherries annually on about 2,800 hectares. Despite a smaller output compared to other crops, cherries are economically valuable as the season's first fruit revenue producer. Zahida Jan from Shopian remarked, "Cherries bring us quick cash. The apples take time, but cherries go to market within hours of picking. That money helps us buy supplies, pay wages, and keep going."
The Valley hosts eight major cherry varieties, including the sweet black 'Mishri,' deep-red 'Makhmali,' and firm 'Dabal'. The shift toward newer European cultivars aims to improve resilience against erratic weather and meet consumer demands. A horticulture expert from SKUAST-Kashmir stated that traditional varieties cannot withstand current climate variability.
Farmers like Riyaz Ahmad from Baramulla express the need for ongoing education in new cultivation practices. "We are still learning," Ahmad said. "We don't always know what chemicals to use, how to prune correctly, or when to irrigate. We need guidance, not just subsidies." Long-term investments in training and infrastructure are deemed essential by specialists.
While facing economic and environmental challenges, Kashmir's cherry industry remains a vital aspect for its growers. Zahida Jan encapsulated the sentiment by saying, "This is not just fruit—it's our story, our survival."
As the cherry season progresses, Kashmir's farmers continue their complex role in agricultural production, navigating a landscape marked by both tradition and change.
Source: Greater Kashmir