Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar: J&K administration has given a go-ahead for the transportation of cherry fruit via the Mughal Road from Kashmir, in view of the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
This development comes barely a few days after Ziraat Times facilitated two crucial online discussions among the key stakeholders, including government officials, farmers and traders on the need for better transportation and marketing facilities for the cherry crop.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union has thanked Director Horticulture Department, Kashmir for his efforts in this latest government decision.
“Opening of the Mughal Road was a crucial requirement for transportation of fresh fruits in view of the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway”, Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Union said.
It is pertinent to mention that cherry farmers, especially those growing Double Cherry and Mishri Cherry types have been deeply worried about the transportation challenges and the loss incurred by the farmers whose crop matured earlier.
Farmers are also worried that while they are selling their crops at throwaway prices in the range of Rs 30-Rs 40 per box of cherry, the same is sold in the retail markets in the range of Rs 80- Rs 120.