Srinagar, Aug 1 (ANI): Apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir are happy as they expect bumper apple harvest this year, especially of early season varieties of apples.

A good rainfall coupled with moderate temperature and other favorable conditions in the valley is expected to result in a bumper crop.

Looking at the production of early varieties of apples, the apple farmers are hopeful of reaping a rich dividend this season.

"This year weather was favourable. The apple production is good and moreover quality and colour of apples grown is also nice. We are sending them to other countries and also within country to Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta," said Lateef, apple grower.

Apples are grown in Kashmir valley in 1.25 Lakh hectare of land and the total production is of 13.5 Lakh metric tonnes. Out of this, 20 percent production of apple come from the early variety of apple called hazratbali.

"Out of 13.5 Lakh metric tonnes of fruit production, 20 percent is hazaratbali, which is early season variety of apple. This year production of apple was good as there was good rainfall. So there was good crop this season," says Manzoor Ahmed, Technical Incharge Horticulture Department.

The early season variety 'hazratbali' is medium-sized apple. It is available in the valley, maturing in mid of July.

Other varieties of apple that are famous all over the world are Amri (Ambri Kashmiri) American trel (American Pirogue) Delicious (Red Delicious) Maharaja (White Dotted Red) Kesri (Cox's Orange Pippin). (ANI)