Limited Supply of Indian Shimla Apples in Delhi Market During W31 Due to Unfavorable Weather Conditions

During W31, Shimla apples from India faced supply constraints and challenges in the Delhi market due to unfavorable climatic conditions, including landslides, heavy rainfall, and floods, resulting in orchard damage and transportation difficulties. These factors affected the size and color of the produce. The fresh fruit market in Delhi operates with daily price fluctuations based on supply, demand, and quality.
Around 55-60 trucks of Shimla apples arrived in the Delhi market, with varying quality and prices based on color and size. Low-color apples (50%-60%) in 25-26 kg boxes were priced at USD 15.70-20.53/box (INR 1300-1700/box), while those with 80%-90% color were priced at USD 21.73-28.98/box (INR 1800-2400/box). Apples with 100% color were priced at USD 30.18-36.22/25-26 kg boxes (INR 2500-3000/25-26 kg boxes). Different prices applied to 7-layer and 4-layer boxes, including USD 16.90-20.53/10kg box (INR 1400-1700/10kg box with good color and USD 12.07-15.70/10kg box (INR 1000-1300/10kg box) for those with less color.
Exceptional quality apples, with large size and good color in 28-30 kg boxes with seven layers, were priced at USD 42.26-48.30/28-30 kg box (INR 3500-4000/28-30 kg box). In contrast, imported Gala apples were priced at USD 28.98-36.22/10kg box (INR 2400-3000/10kg box), signifying a significant premium over domestic varieties.
Overall, Indian fresh apple production faced a reduction of 40% to 50% compared to the previous year due to climate change, natural disasters, and transportation challenges. Despite the prominence of the Kashmir apple region, Indian apples encountered competition from Washington apples following a reduction in import duty from 70% to 50%. Furthermore, India annually exports around 2% to 3% of its apple production to Bangladesh and Nepal.