Srinagar, Sep 17: Amid the continued closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), authorities have confirmed that around 2,000 tonnes of apples have been transported to outside mandis via rail from the Kashmir Valley so far this season.
Officials said that since last week, a total of 1,25,376 apple boxes have been dispatched, with the majority heading to Delhi. From Anantnag Railway Station alone, 87,137 boxes were shipped, while 38,239 boxes were dispatched from Budgam.
Chief Area Manager, Northern Railways (Kashmir), Saqib Yousuf, stated that multiple consignments were dispatched from Anantnag including loads of 350 tonnes, 650 tonnes, and 376 tonnes. From Budgam, an estimated 600 tonnes of apples have already left the station for outside markets.
Kashmir accounts for over 70% of India’s total apple production, with last year’s yield recorded at 20.4 lakh metric tonnes. However, the region’s apple industry continues to suffer due to its dependency on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which frequently shuts down due to landslides, adverse weather, and poor road conditions. Recent landslides and rainfall left the highway blocked for nearly two weeks, stranding truckloads of apples worth crores.
Freight Charges Skyrocket, Minister Steps In
In response to widespread complaints from apple growers over rising transportation costs, Minister for Agriculture Production and Horticulture, Javaid Ahmad Dar, has stepped in to address the issue.
The minister confirmed that he has instructed the Transport Commissioner to hold discussions with truckers’ associations and ensure freight charges for apple transport are regulated.
“We are hopeful that most of the stranded trucks will be cleared by today,” the minister said, adding that the Horticulture Department has been directed to keep growers informed about the movement of apple consignments.
