Shopian: After heavy losses suffered last year post abrogation of J&K’s special status, pear growers in Kashmir are expecting good returns this year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Like other horticulture produce, Kashmir pear has been regularly hit since the 2016 uprising as the crop is harvested in mid-year when political conflict and shutdowns occur frequently.
According to growers and traders based in south Kashmir, the season of pear has begun on a positive note with rates of a 16-kg box ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 800 in local mandis. They say the rates are as much as six-seven times higher than those of last year.
“The Kashmir Babgosh pear last year witnessed a heavy setback post abrogation of Article 370. A box was sold at Rs 100 to Rs 200, which did not even cover the cost of the boxes and sprays used on it,” said Rayees Ahmad Dar, a trader based at the fruit and vegetables mandi in Aglar Shopian.
The mid-year harvest of pear brings much-needed income to apple growers who use the money to buy boxes for apple and meet other expenses. “We hope this season will bring some joy. This is our only means of earning in this season and amid this lockdown,” said Shakeel Ahmad Reshi, a fruit grower in Pulwama.
Kashmir produces pear on 6311 hectares of land with district Budgam being the highest producer, where the fruit is grown on 1,636 hectares of land. It is followed by Kupwara where 1,036 hectares are under pear cultivation. According to official figures, the above data includes all varsities of pear, like Babgosh, Nakh, Koternal and other newly introduced varieties.
Last year, J&K produced around 86,000 metric tonnes of pear. According to official documents, 33 lakh people from around 7 lakh families are directly involved in the fruit trade in Kashmir.
Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat didn’t respond to calls and text messages sent by this reporter seeking his comments.

Raashid Hassan