About Dry Fruits
India grows walnuts and almonds in Kashmir, makhana in Bihar and raisins in Maharashtra, and imports almonds, pistachios, dates and figs for one of the world's biggest dry-fruit markets.
Where Dry Fruits Is Grown in Himachal Pradesh
The main dry fruits districts of Himachal Pradesh are Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu. Himachal Pradesh is India's second apple state and a leading supplier of off-season vegetables, seed potato and cut flowers such as carnation. Its orchards and terraced fields also grow plums, apricots, peas, ginger and hill rajma.
Season in Himachal Pradesh
Walnuts and almonds Aug–Oct; makhana Aug–Oct; raisins Mar–May. Exact arrival dates in Himachal Pradesh depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Dry Fruits Is Sold in Himachal Pradesh
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. The Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) supports fruit growers.
Other major markets in Himachal Pradesh
- ParwanooAppleAboutExplore
- Shimla (Bhattakufar, Dhalli)AppleAboutExplore
- SolanTomato, vegetablesAboutExplore
State Agencies in Himachal Pradesh
Dry Fruits has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- HP State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- HPMCFruit marketing and processingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Kashmir walnuts are sold in-shell and as kernels, graded by colour (light kernels fetch the most) and size. Kashmiri almonds such as Mamra are prized for their oil and taste but are a small crop compared with imports. Both are harvested in August–October and reach markets in time for Diwali.
Makhana seeds are gathered by hand from pond beds, sun-dried, roasted and popped. The work is traditionally done by the Mallah community of Mithila. Graded by size into "lawa" grades, makhana is sold to wholesalers in Darbhanga and Purnea and then to brands, which sell roasted and flavoured makhana snacks across India and abroad.
Import duties on almonds and other nuts, the California almond crop, the Afghan and Iranian trade situation, and festive demand all affect dry-fruit prices. Diwali and wedding gifting create the strongest seasonal peak.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export dry fruits across India, including from Himachal Pradesh. Tap a name for details.
- Happilo International Pvt LtdDry fruitsAboutExplore
- Farmley (Connedit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd)Dry fruits and makhanaAboutExplore
- Tata Consumer Products LtdTata Sampann dry fruitsAboutExplore
- Khari Baoli, DelhiDry-fruit wholesale marketAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Himachal Pradesh
New varieties, crop advice and seed for dry fruits growers in Himachal Pradesh come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and ForestryNauni, SolanAboutExplore
- CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi VishvavidyalayaPalampurAboutExplore
Dry Fruits in Other States
Jammu and Kashmir · Bihar · Maharashtra · Gujarat
Related: Dry Fruits – all India · Himachal Pradesh · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer