Srinagar: With South African apples now entering Indian markets, the prices of Kashmiri apples have seen a further decline, resulting in significant losses for buyers and growers.

Efforts by the South African government to expand its market share in India have received a boost with a new agreement between India and South Africa, allowing in-transit sterilisation of South African apples and pears. This has enabled South African fruit to reach retail markets across the country more quickly, maintaining their freshness.

Growers and buyers expressed their dismay over the current situation. They said there has been a drastic decrease in apple prices compared to rates during the main apple season in October-November 2023.

“The increasing presence of South African apples in retail supermarkets and e-commerce platforms across the country has further reduced demand for Kashmiri apples, thereby lowering prices and causing losses for growers and buyers,” they said.CNI