Cherry harvesting has reached its peak in south Kashmir's Shopian district, with growers busy picking and marketing the season's most sought-after varieties. Orchards across the district are seeing increased activity as farmers enter the short but crucial cherry-harvesting season, a key source of livelihood for hundreds of horticulture-dependent families. After completing the harvest of early varieties such as Makhmali, Italy and Double, growers are now focused on the premium Mishri variety, which marks the peak phase of the season.