Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Apple Farmers Federation has expressed deep concern over the continuous blockade of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway following the recent spell of inclement weather.
The closure has left truckloads of ripened apple varieties stranded on the route, preventing timely transportation to both domestic and international markets.
Federation President Zahoor Ahmad Rather, in a statement issued here today, said, “The highway blockade has left our fruit-laden trucks stranded for days, and the apples have started rotting inside the vehicles.”
Stressing that apple is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, Rather said that every day of delay means huge financial losses for growers who rely on timely market access.
Rather further said that, “We urge the authorities to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement of apple trucks so that the hard work of orchardists does not go to waste.” He also exhorted upon the administration to ensure that apple-laden trucks are given preference to reach different destinations once the blockade is lifted.