Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part D (2021)

Abstract
This paper intends to study that the current post-harvest management of apple industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Apple contributes 60-65 percent to the total horticultural crop production in Jammu & Kashmir from an acreage of over 50 percent. In terms of value of output, 70 percent of the total value of output in horticulture comes from apple alone. Secondary Data from National Horticulture Board, Directorate of Horticulture, Jammu & Kashmir was used to highlight the problems which hinder the horticulture sector to reach to its potential. The paper found that that poor harvesting technique, poor marketing intelligence, inadequate storage facilities, lack of technological development and insufficient and inefficient marketing infrastructure are major hindrances in apple industry in the region. Further, there are no CA (Controlled Atmosphere) facilities in some of major horticulture producing districts of the region and the quantity of the produce stored in these CA facilities does not suffice the need of the market. Annually there is aggregate loss of 23000crores of horticultural crops during post-harvest management like transportation, delays due to high intermediaries. Due to poor storage and infrastructure facilities, the producer attempts to dispose-off the produce quickly in the shortest possible time. This negates his capacity to hold the stock for better prices during off-season and leads to a natural slump in the market prices. Poor marketing intelligence among the farmers and lack of proper grading and sorting at the harvesting stage affects the marketing of the quality apple from the region. This overall impact the farmers’ remuneration. Extended storage facilities in the potential areas at the block level or district level, proper training to the farmers for grading and sorting during harvesting may prove beneficial to the sector.