Uncertainty over silicate fruit boxes worries apple growers at Sopore Mandi

Sopore, Dec 25: Serious concerns were raised on Thursday over the continued use of silicate-based fruit boxes during a joint meeting of fruit growers, box suppliers, dealers, manufacturers and other stakeholders at Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi in Sopore. Participants warned that the issue has created uncertainty and distress across the apple trade, threatening livelihoods linked to Kashmir’s key horticulture sector.

President of the Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fruit Mandi Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kakaji, said disputes and lack of clarity over the quality and safety standards of fruit boxes—particularly silicate-based packaging—have badly affected the apple trade. He noted that growers are already grappling with rising input costs, transportation challenges and market volatility.

“Sopore fruit mandi is one of Asia’s largest apple trading hubs. Any disruption here directly impacts thousands of families dependent on the fruit economy,” Malik said, adding that ambiguity over packaging norms has caused confusion among buyers, traders and commission agents.

He alleged that the use of silicate-based fruit boxes has raised serious concerns related to fruit quality, safety and market acceptance, resulting in financial losses to growers.

“Fruit boxes are an essential component of the apple trade. Any compromise on quality or policy uncertainty creates chaos in the market,” he said.

Malik strongly demanded a complete ban on the supply and use of silicate-based fruit boxes, urging the administration to allow only approved and standardised packaging material in fruit mandis. He cautioned that unchecked use of such boxes could damage the reputation of Kashmiri apples in both national and international markets.

Appealing for immediate intervention, the Association president called on the concerned departments to hold detailed consultations with all stakeholders, including growers’ bodies, traders and box manufacturers, to resolve the issue transparently and amicably. He stressed the need for a clear, uniform and strictly enforceable policy on fruit packaging to prevent exploitation and ensure fair trade practices.

Warning of serious consequences if the matter remains unresolved, Malik said prolonged uncertainty could further dent the fruit industry in Kashmir and adversely affect thousands associated with the sector. He expressed hope that manufacturing units would stop supplying silicate-based fruit boxes and that the administration would take swift and decisive steps to restore smooth functioning at the Sopore fruit mandi.

Raising another major concern, Malik said the circulation of spurious and fake pesticides has emerged as a serious challenge for apple growers, particularly ahead of the spraying season. He warned that substandard chemicals not only fail to protect orchards from pests and diseases but also damage apple trees, reduce fruit quality and escalate input costs.

He said many growers fall prey to unscrupulous dealers due to a lack of awareness and weak regulation, and urged the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to intensify market checks, verify licensed dealers and ensure that only approved and certified pesticides are sold. He also demanded strict action against those found selling fake pesticides, saying safeguarding growers from fraud is crucial for sustaining Kashmir’s apple economy.