Kashmir apple growers face losses as key highway blockage causes fruit to rot.

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – In the picturesque region of Indian-administered Kashmir, apple farmer Javid Ahmad Bhat is facing an economic crisis that threatens to erase his year’s hard work. His two trucks laden with apples, valued at over ,000, are stationary amid a long line of vehicles stranded along the Jammu–Srinagar national highway, a critical route linking the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. This blockade, exacerbated by monsoon-induced landslides that have hindered access since August 24, has prompted a devastating situation for the local agricultural community.

Bhat captured the sentiment shared by many in the area, lamenting the extensive losses they are incurring as their carefully nurtured harvest begins to rot. The heavy rains have not only inflicted losses on growers but have also taken a heavy toll on the local economy, leading to more than 170 fatalities and causing substantial destruction to infrastructure.

Impact on the Harvest Season

Horticulture is integral to the livelihood of many in Kashmir, with local growers producing approximately 20-25 million metric tonnes of apples annually, contributing about 78 percent of India’s total apple output. The current road blockade coincides with “harud,” or the peak harvest season, when apples, walnuts, and rice are gathered from thousands of orchards. The intersection of these two unfortunate circumstances is particularly dire, leading to widespread desperation among the farming community.

As the local government estimates indicate, around 4,000 trucks have remained stranded for weeks at Qazigund in southern Kashmir. This situation has resulted in staggering estimated losses, nearing 6 million, and significant financial strain for growers reliant on their annual harvest.

Protests ensued across Kashmir as fruit growers shut down markets to voice their grievances regarding the inadequate governmental response to the ongoing crisis. As the situation worsens, concerns heighten that prolonged delays will lead to further financial devastation for farmers.

Alternate Solutions and Government Response

A glimmer of optimism emerged when Manoj Sinha, a top government official appointed by New Delhi, announced a dedicated train service from Budgam to New Delhi aimed at facilitating the transport of fruits. While this initiative is a positive step intended to reduce transit times, many farmers express skepticism regarding its limited capacity. Growers produce nearly two million tonnes of apples each year, and the train’s ability to transport only about 23-24 tonnes daily is seen as insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the industry.

Emphasizing the necessity for timely governmental intervention, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir remarked on the need for effective management of the highway. Meanwhile, federal authorities have mobilized considerable resources to address the situation, deploying over 50 earthmovers in a concerted effort to restore access to this essential roadway.

The current plight of fruit growers in Kashmir serves as a reminder of the region’s economic resilience and the critical importance of swift governmental action in safeguarding local livelihoods during challenging circumstances. With the local agricultural economy under strain, the call for prompt intervention and support remains vital for the community’s recovery.

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