Ravinder Raina and Lateef Bhat visit Pulwama fruit Markets
Pulwama: Senior BJP leader and former J&K President Ravinder Raina, along with party’s senior leader Lateef Bhat, visited the key fruit markets of Parchoo and Pachharah in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The visit aimed to engage directly with local apple growers and traders who are currently facing a serious crisis.
During the visit, the leaders were briefed on pressing issues such as lack of transportation, fluctuating market rates, absence of cold storage facilities, and limited access to national markets.
“The condition of our fruit growers has shaken me. Their pain has robbed me of my sleep. We will not leave them alone in this difficult time,” he said.
He assured that the BJP stands firmly with the grower community, and every possible measure will be taken to provide relief.
“Over five lakh apple boxes have been lying unsold for nearly 20 days in Pulwama’s markets — a heartbreaking sight. I visited Sopore yesterday, and the situation is equally grim there.”
Raina added that apple growers are in deep financial distress, with damaged crops and mounting loans pushing them to the brink.
He urged the J&K government to waive off the current year’s Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for apple farmers to offer immediate relief.
“This is not the time for politics,” Raina emphasized. “We all must stand together and serve those who feed the nation. Helping our farmers is not charity — it is our duty.”
The visit is part of BJP’s outreach program in the Valley to connect directly with grassroots communities and address their ground-level concerns.
