Srinagar: The Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department on Friday held discussions with Railway authorities and fruit trade representatives to explore the feasibility of transporting Kashmir apples to markets across the country through the railway network.
The meeting, chaired by Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, focused on developing an efficient, economical and time-bound rail transportation mechanism for the horticulture sector.
Railway officials, including Chief Area Manager Kapil Sharma and Assistant Commercial Manager Jaswant Singh, attended the meeting along with presidents of various fruit and vegetable markets and representatives of growers and traders.
Participants discussed operational aspects such as availability and scheduling of railway services, loading and unloading facilities, transit time, handling of perishable produce, packaging requirements and other logistical issues.
All Valley Fruit Growers and Traders Association President Bashir Ahmad Bashir highlighted challenges associated with rail transportation of apples and shared suggestions from the trade sector.
Zargar said a dedicated and coordinated railway transportation system could help reduce transportation costs and ensure timely movement of produce to major consumption centres across India.
Railway authorities assured the meeting that the concerns and requirements of the horticulture sector would be examined and suitable modalities worked out in consultation with stakeholders.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure while improving market access for apple growers and traders.
