JKPICCA applauds CM Omar for launching Rail Cargo Services
Srinagar: In a much-needed relief for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the Jammu and Kashmir Fruits & Vegetable Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, for introducing special railway cargo coaches to facilitate apple transportation amid prolonged highway disruptions.
This landmark initiative—marking the first-ever railway cargo service dedicated to the Valley’s fruit industry—comes at a time when apple growers and traders have faced mounting losses due to recurring blockages along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the region’s primary lifeline for produce movement.
“This initiative is a ray of hope for fruit growers and traders who have suffered immense losses. The Chief Minister’s timely intervention reflects his commitment to protecting Kashmir’s horticulture economy,” said Mohammad Arif Mir, Vice President of JKPICCA.
According to the association, the introduction of dedicated rail coaches for apple shipments to Jammu and Delhi fulfills a longstanding demand raised during a recent high-level meeting with the Chief Minister. The decision, hailed as “historic,” is expected to significantly ease logistical challenges during the ongoing harvest season.
While welcoming the move, JKPICCA emphasized the urgent need to expand the scope of this facility. Given the scale of apple production in the Valley—among the largest in the country—the association has urged the government to increase the number of railway coaches to ensure smooth and timely transportation to national markets.
“Timely delivery is critical for price realization. With better logistics, growers can avoid distress sales and get fair market rates,” said a JKPICCA spokesperson.
The association also reiterated its long-standing commitment to partnering with the government to strengthen the region’s transport, cold chain, and storage infrastructure—critical pillars for sustaining and growing the horticulture sector, which contributes significantly to the local economy and employment.
With Kashmir’s apple industry accounting for over 70% of India’s apple production, experts say this initiative could be a game-changer if scaled properly and sustained beyond the current season.
