Srinagar, June 4 -- Srinagar- Kashmir's cherry season is unfolding on a promising note despite weather-related setbacks, with growers and traders reporting strong prices driven by robust demand and the growing popularity of imported cherry varieties.

While erratic weather during the flowering stage and recent hailstorms have reduced overall production this year, the market has remained buoyant, offering growers hope of better returns from a smaller crop.

Early-ripening cherry cultivars imported from countries such as Italy and Bulgaria have already arrived in wholesale and retail markets across the Valley, fetching premium prices and giving growers an early boost before the arrival of traditional varieties.

Fruit trader Irfan Ahmad fro...