New Delhi, Aug. 7 -- Prices of Indian apples are expected to remain high in the domestic market until September, owing to a drop in production volume in Himachal Pradesh. Apple production in the state is projected to decline by nearly a third to about 493,465 tonnes or 24.6 million boxes in 2026 from 699,876 tonnes in 2025, according to four people aware of the trend and Himachal Pradesh horticulture department data reviewed by Mint.

Himachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in bridging India's apple supply, meeting about 37% of national demand before Jammu & Kashmir's peak harvest begins in September. Overall, India produces 2.5-2.7 million tonnes of apples annually, with Jammu & Kashmir accounting for 60% of the market.

Apples also form t...