Srinagar, March 15 -- Fruit growers have heaved a sigh of relief as demand for Kashmir apples has shot by more than 40 percent in different markets across the country.

Industry honchos said the earthquake in Turkey has hit the imports which have spurred the demand for indigenous Kashmir apples.

As per the growers, the rates as well as the demand for the apple has increased considerably for the last one month.

Fruit stored in cold storage is being currently shipped to various markets on a war footing basis.

"Usually, we ship stored apples in April and May. Currently, there is a good demand for apples and rates are comparatively better. Therefore, fruits stored in cold storages are being shipped," said Mohammad Akbar Dar, a fruit grower...