Fruit growers, dealers allege losses after tucks remain stranded
Sopore: The recent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway following cloudbursts and subsequent damage has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s fruit industry, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded and causing mounting anxiety among traders.
According to reports, nearly 300 to 400 trucks loaded with apples and other perishable fruits are stuck along the highway due to road blockages, as landslides triggered by heavy rains have disrupted the only all-weather surface link between the Valley and the rest of the country.
At the Fruit Mandi Sopore, Asia’s second-largest fruit market traders voiced grave concern over the situation. They said that apple, pears, and other fresh fruit varieties, which are in peak harvest season, risk damage and loss of quality if not transported on time to markets across India.
“This is the peak time for apple dispatch. Every single day of delay means financial loss in lakhs for growers and traders. Perishable fruit cannot withstand long halts on the highway, especially in this humid weather,” said one trader at Sopore mandi.
Fruit growers and dealers appealed to the government to undertake immediate war like repair and restoration of the damaged road with the help of Army and to make alternate arrangements for smooth passage of fruit trucks. They also urged authorities to prioritize perishable fruit consignments during such crises to safeguard Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which is the backbone of its economy and livelihood for thousands of families across the valley
The other group of traders at fruit mandi Sopore, said that if timely action is not taken, not only will farmers and traders face huge losses, but the credibility of Kashmir’s apple supply chain in outside markets will also be severely affected.
Kashmir’s fruit industry, valued at thousands of crores annually, contributes significantly to the region’s economy. The current disruption, traders say, underscores the urgent need for a permanent solution to frequent highway blockages, which have become a recurring nightmare during monsoons and winter months.
