The harvest, which usually begins in April, was pushed ahead this time owing to rainfall which came as a blessing in disguise boosting the fruit produce. Growers now hope that the high yields are met with equally high demand in the market.

Strawberry growers in the scenic Kashmir valley are expecting bumper returns from the crop this season.

"This time the produce is really good a little rain and the right weather has helped the produce. If it was too hot the loss would have been more. Strawberry is the first to be harvested, last year we started on 25th April. This year harvesting has been slightly delayed," said a grower.

Apples, cherries, grapes, apricots, plums, pomegranates and strawberries from the Valley are not just in demand locally but are exported to many other states and even countries and the prevalent climatic conditions are to credit for the sumptuous harvest. Zakura area has the most favorable conditions for the crop.

"Climate in Kashmir is rather rare and these conditions are rare across the world. In this climate temperate fruits like apple, pomegranate, pear, apricot, plum and peaches," said another farmer.