Srinagar/Anantnag/Baramulla: Apple growers and traders in Kashmir staged a protest against the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and “government inaction” in the matter, saying this produce worth over Rs 10,000 crore was at risk of getting spoiled.
People associated with fruit businesses staged the protests in Sopore town of Baramulla district and Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir as well as in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir.
Fruit mandis across the Valley had called for a two-day shutdown to register their protest as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has remained closed for most parts over the past four weeks.
In Kulgam, state president of the Apple Farmers’ Federation Zahoor Ahmad appealed to the government to make arrangements to transport apple-laden vehicles.
He said a streamlined and efficient system will prevent delays and financial losses.
Ahmad said horticulture was the backbone of the economy of Kashmir.
“Due to transportation problems, we are incurring losses in crores of rupees. Apple is a perishable fruit and timely delivery is critical for preserving the quality and getting a reasonable price for the produce,” he added.
In the Jablipora Fruit Mandi of Bijbehara, Anantnag, growers and transporters held a strong protest demanding immediate restoration of the highway to prevent further losses. Protesters emphasized that since the National Highway falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, urgent repairs should be initiated on a war footing.
In response to the crisis, Minister Javed Ahmad Dar visited the Jablipora Fruit Mandi and also met with the transporters and fruit growers and traders owners in Qazigund. Accompanied by public representatives from Anantnag East, Bijbehara, and Shangus constituencies, the minister assured full support to the affected parties and promised swift action.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also visited the Jablipora Fruit Mandi and expressed solidarity with the protesting growers. She accused the government of deliberately neglecting the fruit industry and alleged a conspiracy to damage this vital sector.
Iltija Mufti urged the authorities to take the issue seriously and act promptly to safeguard the horticulture-based economy.
Growers warned that if the road is not reopened immediately, it will become impossible to deliver fresh produce to markets outside the Valley, resulting in huge losses to them.
At the Sopore Fruit Mandi, known as the second-largest fruit market in Asia, growers and traders staged a peaceful protest against the continuous blockade of the highway.
With trucks stranded and shipments unable to move, truckloads of apples have begun to rot, while perishable fruits like pears have already decayed, pushing the industry into a crisis, they said.
The protest saw hundreds of traders, growers, and transporters gathering at the mandi premises, demanding immediate intervention from authorities to restore transportation of fruit.
“Every passing hour is worsening our losses. We have taken loans from banks; who will compensate for our losses. We were promised compensation in 2022 but till now no compensation has been provided,” said Bashir Ahmad, a prominent fruit grower from Sopore.
“Our apples are rotting inside the trucks. Pears, which have a very short shelf-life, have already gone waste. This is not just an economic blow but a matter of survival for thousands of families who depend on this trade.”
The Sopore Fruit Mandi handles thousands of metric tons of fruit every day during the harvest season, with buyers arriving from different states of India. Any disruption in the supply chain not only affects the Valley’s economy but also creates shortages in markets across the country.
Traders allege that despite repeated pleas to the administration, no concrete steps have been taken to ensure the smooth flow of fruit trucks. The losses, they say, are running into crores of rupees.
President of the Fruit Growers Association, Fayaz Ahmad Malik aka Kaka Ji , expressed deep anguish, calling the situation “a man-made disaster”.
“The government must understand the importance of this sector,” Mir said. “We are contributing significantly to the economy, yet we are left to suffer silently. If immediate measures are not taken, the entire fruit industry will collapse.”
Kashmir’s horticulture industry, primarily driven by apple cultivation, is a significant contributor to the region’s economy, supporting over three million people. With the harvest season at its peak, any delay in transportation could spell disaster for both growers and traders.
As the protest continues, fruit growers and traders have warned of intensifying their agitation if the highway is not cleared promptly, signaling tougher days ahead for one of the Valley’s most vital economic sectors.
