Srinagar: Apple growers and traders in Kashmir held a protest against the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and the perceived inaction of the government, claiming that produce valued at over Rs 10,000 crore is at risk of spoiling. Those involved in the fruit industry demonstrated in Sopore town of Baramulla district and the Handwara area of Kupwara district in northern Kashmir. Fruit markets throughout the Valley had organized a two-day shutdown to express their discontent as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been largely closed for the past month. In Kulgam, Zahoor Ahmad, the state President of the Apple Farmers’ Federation, urged the government to facilitate the transport of apple-laden vehicles.
He emphasized that an effective and organized system is essential to prevent delays and financial losses. Ahmad highlighted that horticulture is a crucial element of Kashmir’s economy. “Due to transportation issues, we are experiencing losses in crores of rupees. Apple, being a perishable fruit, requires timely delivery to maintain quality and secure a fair price for the produce,” he stated. Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a cargo parcel train service on Monday for transporting apples from Kashmir to Delhi. During the launch of the first train at Nowgam, Sinha announced that the service would transport 23-24 tonnes of apples to Delhi daily.
A delegation from the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers’ Union, led by Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, also met with the lieutenant governor.
