Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Saturday, urged the administration to prioritise the smooth and timely passage of fruit-laden trucks, particularly from Kulgam and Shopian fruit mandis emphasizing the urgent need to prevent delays that could lead to significant losses for local farmers.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Imran said, “While passenger and other vehicular traffic from the Jammu side is being allowed, fruit trucks continue to be stalled, leading to rotting produce worth crores of rupees. This is a serious concern for our farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the timely movement of their produce. The Valley’s economy and the sustenance of lakhs of families across the region are at stake.”
He further added, “Farmers are already grappling with rising production costs, market volatility, and unpredictable weather conditions. The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway is the Valley’s only all-weather surface link with the rest of the country, and any blockade cripples the movement of goods. During the peak harvest season, thousands of trucks carry apples and other fruits daily to markets across India. Even short delays can result in catastrophic losses.”
He appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Omar Abdullah-led government for its initiatives to facilitate the passage of fruit via train. “While the train service is a commendable step, it is insufficient given the enormous volume of produce from Shopian and Kulgam districts. These fruits cannot afford to wait for trains, and immediate measures must be taken to ensure their timely transport via trucks.”
