Shopian, Dec 17: A PhD Scholar from South Kashmir has decided to take Kashmir apples to every corner of the world by setting up a supply chain of selling apple produce online.
Dr. Adnan Ali, a resident of Pinjoora village of Shopian district after completing his MBA in marketing from IUST is delivering Kashmiri apples at the doorstep of customers through online orders.
Currently, pursuing a PhD from Lovely professional university, Ali told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the idea of starting an online business emerged when he was pursuing engineering in Pune.
“I wasn’t happy with the system, the rates of our products were decided by the trader, not grower,” he said. “Though I am in the initial stage of my business, I am getting a lot of appreciation, and I am also receiving orders in bulk.”
Ali said despite Covid-19 lockdown, he has sold thousands of apples packs both online and offline with a turnover of around Rs 6 lakh.
“Instead of full boxes of 15 kg. I sell packs of one to six apples to customers,” he said.
“So far the feedback is very positive. I also use biodegradable packs coming from Gujarat, which has been a plus point,” Ali said.
Ali said that he is currently selling around 15 varieties of apples and on average he is receiving around 50 orders in a day through Dukaan.com, Popshop and WhatsApp.
“I personally thank Director Horticulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (KAS) for his unconditional support and guidance. He gave me an opportunity to participate in all fruit exhibitions that were conducted lately,” he said.
Ali recently received an award for an innovative idea from LG Manoj Sinha and his product was officially launched by the Principal Secretary, Horticulture Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary.
“I am working on few more projects so that our apples can reach in every corner of the world. Apples which we usually left to rot or give it to local vendors due to scab and some other issues can be converted into Jam, dry apple, jelly, pulp and apple powder so that even little piece of apple won’t get wasted,” he said.
