Srinagar, July 1, July 2 -- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, once regarded as the most reliable way for Kashmir's apple growers to secure better returns, is increasingly losing its appeal as rising storage costs, declining market prices and mounting production expenses erode farmers' profits. Across the Valley's apple belt, growers say the economics of storing fruit for months in CA facilities no longer add up. While the technology helps preserve apples and enables staggered marketing, many orchardists claim that the additional expenses now outweigh the financial benefits.Apple cultivation remains the backbone of Kashmir's horticulture sector, supporting nearly 35 lakh people directly or indirectly. The Valley has witnessed significant...