Horticulture, the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy, with around 3.5 million people directly or indirectly associated with this sector, and a ₹10,000-crore industry in Jammu and Kashmir, has taken a major hit this year due to relentless rain and resultant flooding.
Known as the “apple bowl of India”, Kashmir produces the largest quantity of the fruit in the country. The harvesting season usually runs from late August through October, when growers are at their busiest, sending produce to markets across India and abroad.
