Srinagar: Apple growers and traders in Kashmir staged protests against the prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and what they described as “government inaction,” warning that produce worth over Rs 10,000 crore is at risk of spoilage.
Protests were held in Sopore town of Baramulla district and in Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir. Fruit markets across the Valley also observed a two-day shutdown to voice concerns, as the highway has remained largely closed for the past four weeks.
In Kulgam, Zahoor Ahmad, State President of the Apple Farmers’ Federation, urged the government to arrange transportation for apple-laden vehicles, emphasizing that an efficient logistics system could prevent delays and financial losses.
“Horticulture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy,” Ahmad said. “Due to transport disruptions, we are facing losses worth crores of rupees. Apple is a perishable fruit, and timely delivery is essential to preserve quality and secure reasonable prices.”
In a related development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated a cargo parcel train service to transport apples from Kashmir to Delhi. Flagging off the first train at Nowgam, Sinha noted that the service will carry 23–24 tonnes of apples daily.
A delegation of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers’ Union, led by Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, met the Lieutenant Governor to express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sinha for the new Budgam–Adarsh Nagar parcel train. An official spokesperson said the Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that measures would be taken to address their concerns.
