Sub-zero temperatures in the south Kashmir districts of Shopian and Pulwama are providing an unexpected advantage for apple growers relying on non-controlled-atmosphere storage. Night temperatures have reached almost minus 5°C in several areas, creating conditions that growers say are limiting spoilage in apples stored at home or in basic sheds.
Many small and marginal growers in the region do not have access to controlled-atmosphere units, where storage conditions can be managed to maintain fruit quality. These growers report lower rates of rot and over-ripening during the current cold spell. One orchardist noted, "This is one of the coldest starts to winter in recent years, and for farmers like us who keep apples at home, it is actually helpful. The produce stays firm and fresh. We don't have to worry about spoilage the way we normally do."
The early part of the season saw strong demand for controlled-atmosphere storage across south Kashmir. Units filled earlier than usual, in some cases by mid-August. Growers turned to storage as market access became unstable due to periodic closures of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and declining harvest-season prices. According to one grower, "Farmers had no option. Prices crashed when the harvest began, and the highway remained shut for days. Many growers stored their crop early in CA units, hoping for better rates later."
However, not all growers secured space in these facilities. Many from areas including Shopian, Pulwama, Zainapora, Keller, Rajpora, and Litter continued to depend on traditional storage structures. For these growers, the season's cold temperatures are maintaining fruit condition during a period when spoilage pressure is normally much higher.
Kashmir currently has a controlled-atmosphere storage capacity of about 400,000 metric tons, while annual apple production is around 2.0 to 2.2 million metric tons. The gap between production and storage capacity leaves a large proportion of the crop dependent on ambient winter conditions.
Growers state that if current temperatures persist and market demand improves after the New Year, storage losses could remain low. One farmer from Pulwama said, "If rates rise even moderately and our produce remains intact because of this cold, it will be a big relief."
Producers continue to monitor temperatures and market activity as the season progresses, with most relying on short-term cold conditions to maintain fruit quality until movement resumes.
Source: GreaterKashmir
