Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 18: President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, on Thursday said the movement of fruit-laden trucks, which had been stranded due to the prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, has now resumed.
He said fruit-laden trucks, stuck for more than 15 days, have now been allowed to move, but concerns remain over possible damage and soaring freight rates.
Basheer said trucks that had remained stuck on the highway for more than 15 days have finally started moving towards their destinations. However, he cautioned that the actual condition of the fruit will only be known once the consignments reach various mandis outside the valley.
“The movement of fruit trucks has resumed, but these trucks were stranded for more than 15 days. We can only assess the damage and quality of the fruit once they reach their destinations,” he said.
Expressing concern over rising transportation costs, Basheer pointed out that freight rates have sharply increased compared to last year.
“The fare, which was around Rs 73–75 per box last year, has now crossed Rs 200. Besides, there are not enough trucks available to lift the produce,” he said, adding that the truck shortage is adding to the crisis for growers and traders who are already facing huge losses due to the delays.
Meanwhile, several fruit growers from Sopore, Shopian and Pulwama said that they fear their produce may have suffered extensive damage due to the prolonged halt in transit, which could affect prices and market demand.
They appealed to the government to facilitate the swift clearance of the remaining backlog and to ensure proper cold storage support in case of delays.
“We work the entire year to grow these apples. Watching them rot on the way is heartbreaking. The government must step in to control freight charges and make more trucks available,” said Ghulam Rasool, an apple grower from Sopore.
Basheer urged the authorities to intervene immediately, regulate freight rates and ensure the smooth and timely movement of perishable fruit produce to prevent further financial losses to Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which is considered the backbone of the region’s rural economy.
