Kinnaur’s iconic apples are here — 33.53 million boxes ready to delight the market
As the crisp autumn air settles over the Himalayas, the orchards of Kinnaur are resting after a season of incredible bounty. The 2025 apple harvest has drawn to a close, not just with impressive numbers, but with a story of a community’s hard work journeying from the high-altitude slopes to kitchens across India.
This year, Kinnaur—renowned for growing some of the world’s finest apples—shared a staggering 33.53 million boxes of its prized fruit. While slightly less than last year’s record, this harvest has powerfully reaffirmed the region’s standing as a producer of truly exceptional fruit.
A Journey of Taste and Aroma
What makes a Kinnaur apple so special? It’s a combination of nature’s gifts: a natural sweetness, a satisfying crunch, and a deep, inviting red hue. This unique flavor, enchanting fragrance, and long shelf life are why these apples command premium prices and are often compared to the best European and American varieties.
To share this harvest, a convoy of 12,671 vehicles carried the apples from the mountains to 11 major wholesale markets. Delhi emerged as the biggest fan, receiving over 10 lakh boxes, with Mumbai and Bithal also welcoming millions of these crimson gems.
The Heart of the Harvest
Within Kinnaur, the story of this success is written across its blocks. Pooh led the production with over 12 lakh boxes, closely followed by the hardworking communities of Nichar and Kalpa.
As the last trucks rumble down from the hills, Horticulture Department state’s that the , “With dispatches nearly complete, the Chaura apple inspection barrier will officially close on November 15, marking the end of this year’s transport season.”
More Than a Crop, It’s a Legacy
The close of the apple season is a significant moment in Kinnaur. It signals the arrival of winter—a time when the sweet scent of the harvest still lingers in the valleys, a fragrant reminder of prosperity earned through perseverance.
Despite the very real challenges of changing weather and market shifts, the apple growers of Kinnaur have once again upheld their legacy. Each apple picked not only supports local families but also carries the pride of Himalayan horticulture, strengthening India’s place in the global fruit trade.
As the season winds down, the story that remains is not just one of tons and truckloads, but one of resilience, tradition, and excellence—a true mountain tale that continues to sweeten lives across the nation.
