Srinagar, Sept. 25 -- Kashmir, long celebrated for its crisp, juicy apples that find markets across India and beyond, is facing an unprecedented crisis. This year, the Valley's apple growers are grappling with challenges that threaten not only their livelihoods but the very sustainability of the region's agricultural backbone. Traditionally, apple harvesting and storage in Kashmir follow a predictable pattern. Farmers harvest their produce and gradually move it to cold storage units, from where it is distributed to markets over several months. However, this year has been different. Reports indicate that nearly half of the cold storage capacity was filled within just ten days-a process that normally takes a month. While at first glance thi...