Kashmir’s fruit economy has been hit hard as the closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway has left hundreds of trucks stranded, with perishable consignments rotting on the road. Growers and traders say the losses have already crossed ₹200 crore and could double if the highway does not reopen soon.
The crisis has forced Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore to suspend operations for two days.
Trucks Stranded, Trade Halted
President of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, also known as Kaka Ji, told Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the situation is worsening by the hour.
“Hundreds of fruit-laden trucks are stuck on the highway. We are already staring at losses worth over ₹200 crore. If the highway doesn’t reopen, it may touch ₹400 crore,” he said. “To avoid further damage, we have decided to halt all trading activities on Tuesday and Wednesday. We cannot afford to let more consignments go waste.”
Perishable Stock Deteriorating
Malik said highly perishable produce, especially Bagogosha pears and Gala apples, have been the worst affected. “We had already appealed to growers to stop harvesting and packing until the situation improves. Unfortunately, the stranded stock is deteriorating fast,” he added.
Farmers across the Valley are deeply worried. “It feels like 2022 all over again. We suffered huge losses then, and today we are staring at an even bigger disaster,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a grower from Sopore.
Abdul Rashid, another grower from Rafiabad, shared how prices have collapsed. “What used to sell at ₹600 per box is now down to ₹400. If authorities don’t act quickly, the entire industry will collapse,” he warned.
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Mughal Road Opens Partially
Authorities have permitted partial movement of fruit trucks through the Mughal Road. So far, only six-tyre vehicles have been allowed. “We are demanding permission for 10-tyre vehicles as well. Only then can the stranded stock be cleared,” Malik, the mandi president, said.
Industry Appeals for Urgent Intervention
Traders and growers together have appealed to the government to give fruit trucks priority passage, stressing that prolonged disruption would devastate the sector.
“Kashmir’s economy depends heavily on horticulture. If this highway remains shut, the backbone of our economy will break,” the growers said.
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