Srinagar, May 20 -- The introduction of imported cherry varieties from Bulgaria and Italy is yielding promising economic returns for Kashmir's cherry growers, even as the region's traditional varieties are yet to be harvested.

Farmers across the valley told the news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that these early-ripening imported varieties are currently fetching attractive market prices. While traditional varieties like Siyah, which are nearing maturity, are expected to perform well, the main harvest of conventional cultivars remains several weeks away, they said.

Although the imported varieties lack some of the rich crunch, vibrant colour and nutritional qualities of traditional cherries, they possess a crucial advantage: resilien...