“The severe earthquake that rocked Turkey last month has impacted exports of apples from the country to India. The domestic demand is now being met by the apples produced in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir,” said Tarun Arora, director of IG International, a fruit importing firm.
The supply of Iranian apples has also been hit due to the ongoing protest in the country, he said, adding, “The economy in Iran is also in a mess which too is a reason for a drop in exports from the nation.”
J&K and Himachal Pradesh are the two major apple producers in the country.
“Indian apples are more in demand in the domestic market, unlike last year. A box of around 24 kg of apples was selling at ₹2,000 last year. This year prices have gone up to ₹2,500 per kg,” said Ravinder Chauhan, president, Apple Growers Association of India. “This is good for the apple producers in the country as it will give them a fillip to increase production and improve the quality of apples.”
J&K produces about 140 million boxes of apples annually, while Himachal Pradesh produces about 30 million boxes. Nearly 1.6 million apple growers in these two regions depend on their production to earn their living.
“This year we are expecting that 85-90% of our produce will be consumed within the country and there will be no glut,” said Chauhan.The earthquake in Turkey has also benefited India’s tea exporters.
“Turkey has been buying tea from Sri Lanka and India. Trade relations between India and Turkey have further improved following India’s help to Turkey in this hour of crisis,” said Anshuman Kanoria, chairman, Indian Tea Exporters’ Association. “Last year, Indian tea was able to increase its share in a few countries such as Turkey, which is traditionally a buyer of Sri Lankan tea. We are expecting that Indian tea exports will further increase to the country as it is the cheapest beverage. In this hour of crisis, people need a drink for comfort and tea fills the gap.”