The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced significant concern over the escalating distress experienced by the fruit-growing community in Kashmir. The party highlighted that persistent disruptions along the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, frequently caused by landslides and adverse weather conditions, are severely impeding the timely delivery of horticultural produce to markets across India. This situation, according to the PDP, necessitates an exceptional administrative response to mitigate the economic fallout.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the perishable nature of apples and other fruits means that prolonged delays in transit can lead to a significant decline in quality, diminishing their market competitiveness and directly impacting the earnings of growers. The PDP emphasized that the burden of natural calamities should not be exacerbated by a lack of a specialized transport strategy for a sector that is a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti articulated the sentiment of many orchardists, stating that each harvesting season represents a year of dedication, investment, and anticipation for them. She noted that numerous growers are currently in a state of anxiety as truckloads of their produce remain stranded due to the severe impact on the Valley’s road connectivity. Mufti stressed that the administration must recognize this issue not merely as a traffic management challenge but as an economic emergency requiring immediate attention.
The party has urged authorities to implement swift measures to ensure that horticultural produce reaches its intended markets without further delay. A key recommendation from the PDP involves actively exploring all viable alternative routes, including the potential for allowing suitable commercial vehicles to utilize the Mughal Road. This route, when operational, could offer a crucial alternative artery for transporting goods. The PDP underscored the substantial economic footprint of Kashmir’s horticulture industry, which provides livelihoods for a vast number of people. This includes not only orchard owners but also laborers, transporters, commission agents, and those involved in packaging. Any prolonged interruption in this supply chain, particularly during the peak marketing season, is reported to send significant financial shockwaves throughout the rural economy, affecting numerous stakeholders.
Furthermore, the PDP has called for the establishment of a dedicated mechanism designed to facilitate the evacuation of horticultural produce. This mechanism would involve close coordination between traffic authorities, the civil administration, and transport agencies. The objective is to ensure that consignments of perishable fruits receive planned and uninterrupted passage whenever road conditions permit, thereby minimizing spoilage and market losses. The party’s stance is that disaster management efforts must extend beyond the mere restoration of road connectivity. They advocate for comprehensive measures that actively protect the livelihoods of individuals and communities directly affected by such disruptions. The PDP’s appeal is for urgent intervention to prevent growers from incurring avoidable losses stemming from circumstances entirely beyond their control, highlighting the critical need for proactive and supportive governmental action in safeguarding this essential economic sector.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.