Kashmir’s Fruit Trade Hits Standstill Amid Highway Closure

Rapid Summary

• Highway Closure Impact: Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has been closed for two weeks due to heavy rain, causing important losses to Kashmir’s apple industry.
• Protests by Fruit Growers: Markets remained shut across the Valley as hundreds of growers protested, citing rotting produce and falling apple prices due to transportation delays.
• Economic Losses: Estimated losses exceed ₹200 crore and may go beyond ₹600 crore if the situation persists. Apple prices have dropped from ₹600 per box to ₹400.
• Government Response: Divisional Commissioner is planning truck evacuation via option routes and forming a committee to assess damage; Railways’ parcel train service flagged off but deemed inadequate by traders.
• Political Criticism:

– J&K CM Omar Abdullah blamed the center for highway management delays despite assurances.
– Opposition leaders criticized CM Abdullah’s government for inaction and possible business interests in privatizing the apple industry.- PDP leader Iltija Mufti advised seeking immediate collaboration with Roads & Buildings departments while MLA Sajad Lone demanded concrete remedial measures.

• Economic Importance of Horticulture:

– Horticulture contributes 6-7% of J&K’s GDP and employs over 35 lakh people directly or indirectly, making it vital for local livelihood.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The prolonged closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure that routinely disrupt economic lifelines when faced with adverse weather conditions. Given Kashmir’s reliance on horticulture-especially apple farming-as a key pillar of its economy, further delays threaten cumulative financial repercussions exceeding hundreds of crores.

While protests reflect understandable frustration from fruit growers navigating significant revenue loss, such events call attention to broader concerns about infrastructure preparedness amid challenging geography. The government’s deployment of an alternative freight train service shows intent but insufficient capacity compared to road transport demands-a gap requiring urgent solutions.

Politically, this issue underscores recurring tensions between state leadership and central administration concerning jurisdictional responsibilities over infrastructure projects-a dynamic that often impedes swift resolution during crises. With stakeholders ranging from farmers’ unions to opposition parties weighing in on this matter publicly, collaborative problem-solving appears essential for restoring timely supply chain operations while mitigating long-term economic damage.

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