Pricey apples leave consumers grappling

Apple prices 50% up this year; domestic, imported varieties sell for Rs 180 to Rs 200/kg

- Kuldeep Tiwari

The adage "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" may not hold true for many this winter, as skyrocketing apple prices—up by nearly 50%—have made the fruit less accessible to city residents. The sharp rise in prices is attributed to a reduced supply stemming from a lower yield in Kashmir.

Fruit traders and wholesalers report that domestic apples, often considered of lower quality, are now selling for Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kilogram. This puts their prices on par with imported apples, which are typically priced at Rs 200 to Rs 220 per kilogram.