Kashmir Fruit Growers Union Submits 7-Point Memorandum to LG Sinha 

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, the elected apex body of fruit growers’ associations across the Valley, has sought urgent intervention from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to address mounting losses caused by the continued closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) and recent floods that have devastated orchards in South Kashmir.

In a memorandum submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, the Union led by its Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer said that the highway has remained closed for the past 20 days, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded at various spots. Consignments of Babogosha, Ghalamast, Red Ghala apples, and other early-season varieties have been completely damaged, causing losses worth crores of rupees.

The Union alleged that despite repeated pleas, government authorities have not responded adequately, while priority in truck clearance is often given to CA/Cold Store owners. The growers also objected to the government’s decision of allowing only six-tyre trucks via Mughal Road, arguing that bulk transportation requires 10–14 tyre trucks, as smaller trucks charge nearly 300% higher freight, further burdening growers.

Highlighting the recent deluge, the Union said orchards in South Kashmir suffered widespread destruction, with both crops and trees damaged. Terming the disaster “no less than a natural calamity,” the Union demanded compensation under disaster relief provisions.

The memorandum placed before the Lieutenant Governor made the following key demands:

• Immediate restoration of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) and priority clearance of stranded fruit trucks.

• Daily movement of fruit-laden trucks, even under convoy arrangements, to ensure timely delivery outside J&K.

• Assessment of orchard losses by officials of SKUAST and the Horticulture Department.

• A comprehensive compensation package for affected orchard owners.

• Railway connectivity for all major fruit mandis, particularly Sopore, along with warehouse facilities.

• Waiver of KCC loans for the poorest fruit growers impacted by floods and transport disruptions.

The Union acknowledged Northern Railways for operating special trains for essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables, but stressed the need for extending facilities to all mandis to safeguard the Valley’s horticulture economy.

Calling the situation “grave and unsustainable,” the Union appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene personally to prevent further losses to Kashmir’s fruit industry, considered the backbone of the Valley’s rural economy.