As Kashmir's apple season begins, growers in lower areas are facing challenges due to frequent closures of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the region's only all-weather road link with the rest of India. The disruption has led many farmers to delay apple picking, fearing losses if produce is stranded before reaching markets.
According to the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, around 800 vehicles carrying high-density apples and pears are currently stuck on the highway. "This is extremely worrying," said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Union, as quoted by news agency KNO. He noted that harvest season disruptions occur every year, with prolonged closures this year already delaying transport. "Our perishable fruit cannot survive such conditions," he said.
The Union has called on the government to arrange goods trains or allow heavy vehicles to use the Mughal Road as alternatives. Nearly 70 per cent of the valley's population depends on horticulture, with apples making up the backbone of the rural economy. Kashmir accounts for more than 70 per cent of India's apple production, contributing thousands of crores (hundreds of millions of US$) annually to the region's economy.
Farmers warn that delayed shipments will result in spoilage or lower returns due to declining quality. "This is the peak season for gala varieties of apples and pears," said Basharat Ahmad, a grower from Sopore, one of north Kashmir's main fruit trade hubs. "The longer our trucks remain stuck, the more we lose. Even if they somehow reach Delhi or other markets, their condition won't be the same, and we won't get the right price."
The Mughal Road has provided limited relief, as current restrictions only allow six-tyre vehicles, reducing volumes and limiting access to major southern and central Indian markets such as Bangalore, Kanpur, and Chennai. "Without access to these major markets, our income potential shrinks drastically," said Ghulam Mohammad, an orchardist from Shopian.
Some growers argue that rail transport would provide a permanent solution. "If goods trains are arranged, fruit growers won't be held hostage to road closures every year," said Mohammad Yousuf, a grower from Pulwama.
The highway has remained mostly closed for two weeks following landslides and road damage caused by heavy rains. Growers have appealed to the government to treat the situation as urgent, warning that without smooth transport, the horticulture sector will face further economic losses.
Source: Kashmir Observer