Srinagar: Kashmir’s fruit industry, the backbone of the Union Territory’s economy, is facing an unprecedented crisis as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remains closed for heavy motor vehicles for the 15th consecutive day. Landslides and mudslides triggered by continuous rainfall have blocked multiple locations, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying perishable fruits stranded.
The closure comes at a critical time, coinciding with the peak harvesting season. According to industry estimates, losses have already crossed Rs 200 crore, and traders fear the figure could soon touch Rs 400 crore if the highway does not reopen soon.
“Truckloads of apples and pears that left from various mandis across Kashmir have either been stuck on the highway for 16 days or forced to return with rotting produce,” said Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of the Fruit Mandi Sopore.
“The government recently started two special railway parcel vans from Budgam to Delhi, but that’s not enough. Every day, we dispatch hundreds of trucks from different fruit mandis. What we need is a dedicated full train or an alternate route specifically for fruit transportation,” Malik added.
Highly perishable varieties like Bagogosha pears and Gala apples have borne the worst brunt. “We had already advised growers to stop harvesting, but the damage was already done. Stocks are deteriorating quickly,” Malik said.
To prevent further losses, fruit traders have decided to suspend all trading activity on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Growers across the Valley have voiced deep concern. “This is like 2022 all over again,” said Fayaz Ahmed from Sopore. “The rate has dropped from Rs 600 per box to Rs 400. If this continues, we are finished.”
While the Mughal Road has been opened partially, only six-tyre vehicles are currently allowed. Traders are demanding permission for 10-tyre trucks to ensure swift movement of goods.
The community has made a collective appeal to the administration to prioritize the movement of fruit trucks. “This sector sustains lakhs of families. If the disruption continues, Kashmir’s economy could face irreparable damage,” the growers said.
