Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal, May 23: In the orchards of Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, the arrival of May marks the beginning of cherry harvesting season, a short but crucial period for hundreds of families dependent on horticulture.
The season, which lasts for nearly three weeks, is considered one of the most important phases of the year for local growers, who rely heavily on cherry cultivation for their livelihood.
Kashmir’s cherries are known for their taste and quality but are also highly perishable, with growers saying the fruit has a shelf life of nearly 48 hours.
Farmers begin harvesting early in the morning before transporting the produce to fruit mandis across Kashmir and outside markets the same day to avoid spoilage and price drops.
Across several villages in Ganderbal, families spend long hours in orchards harvesting, sorting and packing the fruit during the peak season.
“For us, this season is very important because our earnings for the year depend on these few weeks,” a local orchardist said.
Growers said changing weather conditions, including warmer winters and irregular rainfall, have affected production in recent years. They also cited rising costs of pesticides, fertilizers, packaging and transportation as major challenges for small-scale farmers.
Despite the difficulties, growers continue to depend on cherry farming as a primary source of income, with many families involved in the work throughout the harvesting season.
As vehicles carrying freshly harvested cherries leave the orchards daily, growers say each consignment represents months of labour and hope for financial stability.
