Building Climate-Resilient Value Chains for Kashmir’s Apple Industry

Introduction

Kashmir’s apple industry, a cornerstone of the region’s horticultural economy, faces recurring disruptions each harvest season due to climatic events and infrastructural vulnerabilities along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. These disruptions not only result in significant post-harvest losses but also expose the structural fragility of the Valley’s agricultural value chains. While annual road repairs provide temporary relief, they do not address the systemic challenges posed by climate variability, limited transport alternatives, and insufficient processing infrastructure. This paper argues for a comprehensive, climate-resilient approach to the Valley’s apple sector, emphasizing local processing, multimodal logistics, and integrated policy interventions to ensure both economic stability and long-term sustainability.

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