1 week ago
Kashmir Apple Growers Gain Rail Lifeline Before Harvest Season
Kashmir grows many apples that must be sent to markets in other parts of the country.
The government plans to run special trains for the apples starting September 1.
The trains will operate during the apple-picking season.
This gives growers another way to move their produce when roads are blocked or damaged.
Last year, trucks carrying apples were stuck for weeks because of highway disruptions.
Some apples spoiled, causing growers and traders to lose a lot of money.
Growers believe trains will be cheaper, faster and safer than trucks.
The apple trade is important because many people in Kashmir depend on it for their livelihoods.
Special freight trains carrying Kashmir’s apple harvest are scheduled to begin operating on September 1.
The service will continue throughout the apple harvesting season and serve markets across the country.
The trains aim to reduce growers’ dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which caused major losses last year.
Railway officials expect the service to transport thousands of tonnes of apples daily.
Growers say rail transport could lower costs, reduce damage and provide more reliable access to markets.
- Who
- The Ministry of Railways, along with Kashmir’s apple growers and traders, is involved.
- What
- Special freight trains will transport apples from Kashmir to markets in different parts of the country.
- Where
- The trains will carry apples from Kashmir, with the harvest originating in areas including Pulwama, to markets across the country.
- When
- The service is scheduled to begin September 1 and continue throughout the apple harvesting season.
- Why
- The plan is intended to provide a more reliable and affordable alternative to road transport and prevent losses caused by disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
Key facts
- Service start
- September 1
- Operating period
- Throughout the apple harvesting season
- Expected capacity
- Thousands of tonnes of apples daily
- Main alternative to
- The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway
- Previous disruption
- Highway disruptions last year stranded hundreds of trucks and damaged apple consignments worth crores of rupees.
- Economic importance
- Horticulture contributes around 9 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory GDP.
- People associated with horticulture
- Around 35 lakh people are estimated to be associated with horticulture in the Kashmir Valley.
Quotes
Mohd Sultan Magray
Apple grower from Pulwama
“It will be extremely beneficial for apple growers. The train service is a great help because we can transport our apple produce without disruptions. It is also more cost-effective than sending the produce by trucks, and we can send it to different parts of the country.”
wionews.com
“Last year, there were massive losses. Some apple growers even had to pay money out of their own pockets after losing their produce, while still having to cover transportation costs. In some cases, growers were forced to sell their land to cope with the losses.”
wionews.com
Sources
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