The Role of Ammonia Refrigeration in Kashmir’s Apple Industry

By Er Ishfaq Khaliq

As spring blossoms in Kashmir, a vibrant array of fruits begins to grace the markets, starting with cherries and pears. However, it is during autumn that apples, the iconic fruit of the region, flood markets across major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.

The ebb and flow of the apple harvest season often lead to fluctuating prices, with cold storage playing a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply and optimal returns for growers.

Ammonia refrigeration, a time-tested technology, serves as the backbone of Kashmir’s apple industry. With its thermodynamic efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness, ammonia is the preferred choice for almost 90% of cold storage facilities in the region.

Kashmir, renowned for producing over 20 lakh metric tons of apples annually, relies on Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage to preserve its bountiful harvest. These cold storage units not only help stabilize prices but also extend the market reach for growers, transforming apples into a consistent source of income.

Efficient refrigeration systems are essential to cool apples quickly post-harvest, preventing premature ripening and spoilage. Despite common misconceptions, designing refrigeration systems for Kashmir requires careful consideration of factors like temperature variations, humidity levels, and industry scale.

Modernization of cold storage facilities is imperative, with SCADA and PLC-based systems becoming increasingly necessary to manage complex storage environments effectively.

The integration of technology with traditional apple cultivation practices has not only enhanced the quality and longevity of Kashmiri apples but also facilitated their distribution to distant markets, sustaining a longstanding agricultural tradition.

Ammonia refrigeration stands as the reliable engine driving the success of Kashmir’s apple growers, enabling them to compete on a national scale and ensure the continuity of a generational legacy.

Every crate of Kashmiri apples reaching markets nationwide bears the mark of this sophisticated refrigeration system, showcasing how technology can empower livelihoods even in the harshest of climates.

• The author, a senior engineer at the Al-Noor Group of Companies and a member of the Indian Society of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), sheds light on the pivotal role of ammonia refrigeration in Kashmir’s apple industry.