Srinagar/Shimla, Oct. 10 -- Himachal's loss has become Kashmir's gain this apple harvest season. Crop loss in Himachal Pradesh-brought on by spring droughts, flowering-stage heatwaves, and late-season heavy rain-has triggered a surge in demand for Kashmiri apples, driving wholesale prices up by as much as 35% across national markets.

Good-quality Kashmiri apple boxes are currently fetching between Rs.1,500 and Rs.2,500 in Valley mandis (wholesale markets). The deficit across the border has prompted fruit growers, regional distributors, and bulk traders from Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh to travel directly to Kashmir to buy produce at source.

However, apple production in Himachal Pradesh has been much l...