Kashmir’s cherries: climate challenges and a sustainable future for the Himalayan red gold

In the heart of the Kashmiri summer—short but intense—cherries ripen earlier than anywhere else, offering an early glimpse into the potential of an agricultural sector that blends tradition and innovation.

Amid climate challenges, new cultivation models, and still lacking infrastructure, growers in the Ganderbal district are betting on the future of their “red gold”.

Where it all begins: Gutlibagh, land of cherries

In this remote village along the road to Ganderbal, trees heavy with dark red fruit sway in the wind. Farmers—both men and women—move nimbly through the branches, carefully harvesting the season’s first fruits.

Here, the cherry and strawberry harvest is the first source of income for the year, although strawberries are a recent addition.

Nisar Ahmed, a longtime orchard owner, has seen his harvest cut in half due to untimely rains during flowering. Since 2018, he has adopted hybrid cultivation with more resilient varieties that offer a shelf life of 5–7 days, compared to the 1–2 days of local varieties.

However, he laments the lack of response from the horticulture department to his request for a soil analysis.

Not all growers are ready to give up traditional varieties: Altaf Hussain Khan, a trader for over a decade, defends the superior taste of heritage cherries, still grown alongside apples and walnuts by his family.

A daily market without cold storage

Every day, between 3,000 and 4,000 crates of cherries leave Gutlibagh, destined mainly for Srinagar, with smaller volumes heading to Indian cities and a small portion exported.

But without cold storage, perishability remains a major constraint. Difficulties in managing refrigerated transport to markets like Mumbai hinder the product’s competitiveness.

The most widely grown varieties are Mishri, Mahmali, and Double, with Mishri lasting up to 10 days. However, 80% of the production remains in Kashmir due to the lack of adequate infrastructure.

Climate challenges and declining yields

Extreme events such as hail, heavy rains, and pests have reduced yields. Mohammad Jaffar Khan notes that it takes 15–20 minutes to harvest a single tree, and over seven years for an orchard to become productive.

With prices falling from 250 to 80 rupees (about €2.80 to €0.90) per crate, many farmers can no longer cover their costs.

According to the Director of Horticulture of Kashmir, the decline in tourism has negatively affected sales, especially along the route to Sonamarg, once filled with hundreds of roadside stalls.

Productive potential: figures and regions

With 2,952 hectares under cultivation and an annual yield of over 23,000 tonnes, Kashmir accounts for 95% of India’s cherry production.

The main areas are Ganderbal, Srinagar, Baramulla, Shopian, and Bandipora, involving around 14,000 farming families.

According to 2024–25 data, Ganderbal leads with 9,094 tonnes from 1,165 hectares, followed by Shopian (4,927 tonnes), Srinagar (3,167 tonnes), and Baramulla (3,103 tonnes).

The ideal conditions include cold winters with at least 1,000 hours below 7°C and cool, dry summers.

Transition to high-density and exotic varieties

The shift to high-density plantations, with varieties like Regina and Mishri, is meeting the demand for larger, firmer, and sweeter fruit.

Supported by public programs, growers are adopting protective systems such as anti-hail nets and bird deterrents. The most popular new varieties also include Kordia, Lapin, and Schneiders.

However, the lack of a cold chain and hydrocooling facilities limits exports. Currently, about 4,800 tonnes are processed into preserves and sweets for markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and others.

A future of innovation and climate adaptation

The short harvest window (20–25 days) is now being extended thanks to research on late and rain-resistant varieties. SKUAST has introduced cultivars like Bing to diversify ripening times.

According to professors Khalid Mushtaq and Munib Ur Rehman, the key lies in adopting HD orchards, integrating compatible pollinators, precision nutrition (zinc and boron), drip irrigation, and early cooling.

An integrated supply chain with cooperatives, traceability, branding, and organic certification is also needed to bring Kashmiri cherries to international markets.

Towards new horizons: the first fresh produce train

A concrete sign comes from June 3, 2025: for the first time, an agri-train will transport 24 tonnes of cherries from Kashmir to Mumbai.

A logistics breakthrough that opens new possibilities for the region’s fresh produce.

Source: kashmirlife.net

Image credit: Bilal Bahadur

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