FAS New Delhi forecasts India’s market year (MY) 2023/2024 (July-June) domestic apple and pear production at 2.41 million metric tons (MMT) and 312,500 metric tons (MT), in anticipation of favorable weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. MY 2022/2023 witnessed severe weather, flash floods, and landslides that jolted Himachal Pradesh’s apple orchards. Jammu and Kashmir experienced similar production disruptions.
MY 2023/2024 apple and pear imports are forecast at 410,000 MT and 35,500 MT. Imported apples enjoy a separate market compared to domestic produce due to better shelf life, fruit quality, and a premium price. With India's lifting of its retaliatory tariff on U.S. origin apples, Post anticipates Washington State apples to rebuild its Indian export market share.
MY 2023/2024 grape production is expected to increase over three percent to 2.95 MMT. Favorable weather conditions, with sufficient rainfall, will favor the Indian grape growing season.
