Written by Pavan KhengreUpdated: November 3, 2025 09:26 PM IST 2 min readThe new route has slightly increased transportation costs, but high-quality apples are still available in the market. (representative image)Afghan apples have made inroads into Pune’s Market Yard and are available for anywhere between Rs 900-1,000 per 10 kilogram.According to trader Satyajit Zhende, these apples usually arrive in India through Pakistan from the Attari-Wagah border, but the border has been closed after the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April this year.As soon as the chill of winter starts in Pune, a massive influx of apples begins at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) Gultekdi Market Yard from various parts of Kashmir, and countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan.However, this year, Afghan apples are being sent to Iran first, then are shipped by sea to Mumbai, and then distributed across the country. The new route has slightly increased transportation costs, but high-quality apples are still available in the market.Zhende said last year, the apples which sold for Rs 800-900 for 10kg are now selling for Rs 900-1,000. This means an increase of ₹100-200 per 10 kg. Zhende also mentioned that this year, the Royal Gala variety of apples arrived in Pune from Afghanistan last month. The Apple Royal Delicious variety has come in recently and has higher demand, he said.Zhende said as opposed to Iran and Turkey which face 50 per cent duty, Afghan apples are duty-free, even though they are coming in from Iran. Suyog Zhende, Satyajit’s father, said Afghanistan does not have cold storage facilities for apples, resulting in the imported apples being fresher and bearing a different taste. “Afghanistan does not even have grading of apples. India and Iran have graded apples like A and B. Afghanistan has less technology but the apples are still of very good quality,” said Suyog.Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:pune