Floods, Highway closure deal heavy blow to Kashmir’s apple Industry
Growers count losses running into hundreds of crores as transport bottlenecks choke Rs 12,000-crore sector
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Kashmir’s prized apple industry, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore annually, has been dealt a severe blow by the recent floods and the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
The highway, the Valley’s only all-weather road link, remained shut for eight consecutive days and was thrown open today, but only for light motor vehicles (LMVs), leaving apple-laden trucks stranded in orchards and on the roadside.
Initial estimates by trade bodies suggest that the losses could cross Rs 500–600 crore, with the quality of fruit deteriorating due to the delay in transportation to outside markets. Industry experts fear the figure may rise further if restrictions on heavy vehicles continue.
“We had just managed to survive the scorching heat wave earlier this summer which had already affected the crop. Now, the floods and road closure have pushed us to the edge. Our harvest is rotting in trucks while buyers in Delhi and Mumbai are cancelling orders,” said Abdul Rashid Dar, an orchardist from Kulgam, who fears losing nearly half his season’s produce.
In Pulwama, the story is no different.
“Each day of delay means a fall of Rs 200–300 per box in the mandi price. For small farmers like us, it’s devastating. I have 1,500 boxes waiting to be dispatched, but the highway remains closed for heavy trucks,” lamented Ghulam Nabi Lone of Karimabad.
Shopian, often called the “apple bowl of Kashmir”, has been worst hit. “Our entire economy revolves around apples. If they don’t reach the markets in time, they fetch throwaway rates. This year’s losses could cripple us for years,” said Shabir Ahmad from Zainapora, adding that many families had taken loans to finance orchard expenses.
Fruit dealers are equally distressed. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, a trader from Shopian, said: “We had trucks loaded three days ago. The fruit is perishable, and even a short delay turns it into pulp. We are helpless; neither the farmers nor the dealers can bear such losses year after year.”
From Kulgam’s Qaimoh area, Farooq Ahmad, who owns a small orchard, added: “I sold my jewellery last year to manage fertilisers and pesticides. This year I will have to sell land if the crop does not make it to market on time.”
In Pulwama, Iqbal Ahmad, a young orchardist from Rajpora, pointed out the uncertainty: “The government talks about schemes and insurance, but when disasters strike, we are left alone. Compensation never reaches small growers like us.”
According to the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, nearly 60% of the harvested crop from South Kashmir is stuck due to the highway closure. Traders warn that the ripple effect will be felt across cold stores, packaging units and transport services.
Growers are now urging the government to ensure alternate routes, financial relief and crop insurance cover to prevent the crisis from snowballing into a long-term disaster.
