Srinagar, Oct. 4 -- When one hears the word "Kashmir," it is impossible not to think of apples. Our orchards are famous across India and beyond, with Kashmiri apples commanding respect for their unique taste, crispness, and quality. Yet, ironically, within Kashmir itself these apples are not celebrated the way they deserve to be. Unlike dry fruits, sweets, or mangoes, apples are rarely exchanged as gifts, served with pride at weddings, or showcased at community gatherings. This cultural neglect has economic consequences. Farmers work tirelessly, depending largely on outside markets to sell their produce. Prices fluctuate with transportation bottlenecks, middlemen, and external demand. At home, however, apples are treated as ordinary-somet...