11 months ago
Kashmir Apple Growers Face Losses Due to Highway Disruptions
Apple farmers in Kashmir are struggling to transport their apples because the main road is closed due to landslides.
This is causing their apples to rot, leading to big financial losses.
While some trucks are using a different road and a special train is transporting some apples, it's not enough to solve the problem.
The farmers and traders are frustrated and want the government to find a better solution quickly.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway reopened after 20 days, but many trucks remain stranded.
Apple growers are facing substantial financial losses as their fruit spoils in transit.
Around 5,000 apple trucks were reportedly stranded on the road.
A direct Srinagar-Delhi parcel train has been launched, but its capacity is limited.
Traders and growers are protesting and demanding more effective solutions.
- Who
- Kashmir apple growers and traders
- What
- Facing significant losses due to highway closures and fruit spoilage
- Where
- Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
- When
- Since the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
- Why
- Highway closure due to landslides after heavy rain
Apple Growers/Traders
Government Authorities
Economic Impact
Apple Growers/Traders
Experiencing significant financial losses and demanding immediate action to prevent further damage to their produce.
Government Authorities
Working to mitigate the damage and are making efforts to improve the road and transport options.
Infrastructure and Solutions
Apple Growers/Traders
Finding existing infrastructure and current solutions to be inadequate.
Government Authorities
Implementing short-term and long-term plans to assist the growers with the situation.
Key facts
- Event
- Apple transport crisis in Kashmir
- Highway Affected
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44)
- Alternative Route
- Mughal Road
- Rail Transport
- Dedicated parcel train Srinagar-Delhi
- Apple Production
- 75% of India's total
- People Affected
- Around 50 lakh directly/indirectly
- Value of Apple Economy
- Rs 10,000 crore
Timeline
Torrential rains triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir.
The downpour caused a landslide, sparking flood alerts.
In the Jammu region, mudslides and floods hit.
Subsequently, landslides shut down the crucial highway.
Now, apple trucks are stranded, threatening fruit growers.
Quotes
Fayaz Ahmad Malik
president of the Sopore Fruit Mandi
“the Centre nor the J&K government is concerned about the huge losses incurred by the fruit growers and traders in the Valley”
indianexpress.com
“A fruit truck costs around Rs 10-12 lakh, and there are hundreds of trucks that were off for Bangladesh.”
indianexpress.com
Omar Abdullah
Chief Minister
“They have been very patient for the first few days but watching their hard work rot because NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) is unable to stabilise the highway, their patience has worn thin & that is totally understandable.”
indianexpress.com
“Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem but I will wait for that to happen before I say any more about the proposed plan of action”
indianexpress.com
Office of LG J&K
Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
“This new freight train service is a big step for the apple growers of the Union Territory to transport their produce to different parts of the country.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Srinagar MP alleges deliberate attack on Kashmir’s economy over highway closure - Telegraph India
Omar asks Gadkari to ensure uninterrupted passage of apple-laden trucks on Srinagar-Jammu highway
Fruit-laden trucks stranded: NC MP slams closure of Srinagar-Jammu NH
Apple trucks stranded: Opposition corners CM Omar despite highway being under NHAI control
Highway closure hits apple trade; prices plunge at Jammu fruit Mandi - Telegraph India
Cong says J&K suffered ‘colossal damage’ due to floods, seeks comprehensive package for victims
J&K authorities block 300 social accounts, allege Pakistan exploiting MLA Doda protests
Thousands Of Tonnes Of Apples Rotting In Kashmir Due To Road Closure
Vital Srinagar-Jammu highway restored through temporary diversion: Gadkari
Bitter harvest: Why Kashmir’s apple growers are staring at massive losses
Harvest at Risk
