Srinagar, Sept. 5 -- Srinagar- After a season marked by transportation disruptions and fresh weather-related challenges this year, Kashmir's apple growers have begun the new harvesting season with a measure of optimism, with early varieties fetching encouraging prices in the market.

Harvesting has so far begun mainly in the lower and relatively warmer areas of the Valley. Kulu apples are currently fetching around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400 per box, while quality Gala apples have also witnessed encouraging demand.

The early market response has brought some relief to growers, who are hoping that the trend will hold as harvesting expands to Kashmir's major apple-producing belts.

The optimism, however, comes against the backdrop of a difficult y...