Srinagar, May 26 -- Kashmir's cherry orchards are bursting with ripe, juicy fruit as the harvest season gets underway, but many farmers are struggling with falling prices and weak demand despite what is expected to be a bumper crop.

The cherry harvesting season in Kashmir typically begins in mid-May and continues until the first week of July. This year, growers are optimistic about production volume, hoping for better returns in the coming weeks. However, early signs from the market are far from encouraging.

Many cherry growers are raising alarm over sluggish sales and plunging prices, which they say are threatening their earnings. Several cherry-rich areas on the outskirts of Srinagar including New Theed Harwan, Dara, Dhanihama, and Chat...