Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Apple Farmers Federation has strongly condemned the arbitrary actions of certain cold storage owners, particularly in Lassipora, Pulwama, who are deliberately ignoring previously signed agreements with growers for the preservation of apples.
The Federation said such breaches of commitment are deeply unfair and have created grave difficulties for farmers who rely on these facilities to safeguard their produce.
Zahoor Ahmad Rather, President of the Federation, said growers have reported that cold storage operators are exploiting frequent road blockades to impose hiked charges, despite having entered into clear agreements with farmers on fixed terms.
He noted that this unfair practice is pushing farmers into distress, as they are already struggling with rising costs in an uncertain market.
“As a direct consequence of this exploitation, large-scale congestion is being witnessed at cold storage sites, with long queues of apple-laden trucks. In many unfortunate instances, trucks have been forced to return without unloading, leading to heavy financial losses and immense frustration among growers,” President Rather said.
The Federation President urged the authorities to immediately intervene and ensure strict implementation of the agreements made between cold storage owners and growers. “Protecting the interests of farmers is critical not only for their survival but also for preserving the backbone of Kashmir’s economy,” he added.
