Growers warn of unprecedented losses; demand crop insurance, loan waivers, cold storage expansion and improved transport routes
Srinagar, Nov. 18: Kashmir’s fruit growers have sought an urgent ₹2,000-crore financial relief package from the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Government of India after suffering massive losses during the August 2025 natural disaster.
At an emergency meeting held on Wednesday at Fruit Mandi, Apple Town, Sopore, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFG Union) — led by Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer — said the deluge and prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway had crippled the Valley’s apple trade during peak harvest season.
Highway Blockade Cripples Apple Transport
Union representatives said the highway remained blocked for over 20 days, leaving thousands of fruit-laden trucks stranded, causing extensive spoilage of consignments. Prices crashed across mandis as stocks piled up in orchards and storage sites.
“The Apple Economy was thrown into turmoil,” Basheer said, adding that growers, traders and buyers collectively faced losses estimated at ₹2,000 crore. Farmers, he said, were forced to sell produce at “throw-away prices” as fresh fruit rates plummeted to levels “never imagined.”
The Union expressed disappointment that no relief package has yet been announced by either the central government or the J&K administration.
Growers Present 14-Point Charter of Demands
Seeking immediate intervention, the Union submitted a comprehensive list of demands to the Governor and Chief Minister of J&K (UT):
1. ₹2,000-Crore Compensation Package
Immediate relief for growers, traders and buyers impacted by the August disaster.
2. Crop Insurance for Horticulture
Revival and implementation of a crop insurance scheme, similar to agriculture-sector insurance, to protect orchardists during disasters.
3. Revival of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
To stabilize prices and prevent distress sales.
4. Declaring Mughal Road a National Highway
Along with development of alternative fruit transport routes to reduce dependence on the Srinagar–Jammu Highway.
5. KCC Loan Waiver
For the poorest growers who suffered “unbearable losses.”
6. Interest Waiver by J&K Bank
Request for exemption of interest on farmer loans.
7. Removal of Municipal Chungi
End to the practice of collecting municipal fees on fruit transport.
8. Expansion of CA/Cold Storage Capacity
Establishment of 200–300 additional cold/CA stores, especially in North and Central Kashmir, to prevent future losses during crises.
9. Standardization of Packaging Material
Mandating uniform Bardanna size (21 x 14 x 7½); urging government agencies to issue advisories for implementation.
10. Availability of Quality Pesticides & Fertilizers
Ensuring supply of standard, MRP-labeled pesticides and fertilizers at reasonable prices, noting that inferior products are being sold at higher rates in Kashmir compared to Himachal Pradesh.
11. Action Against Use of Harmful Chemicals
Monitoring and penalizing use of prohibited PGRs and colouring agents in fruit production.
12. Upgrading Fruit Mandis
Improving infrastructure and ensuring lease deed issuance to growers at existing mandis.
13. Allowing Growers Choice of Cardboard Boxes
Enforcing the 2024 decision allowing orchardists to use self-purchased or CA-store cardboard boxes, as per mutual agreement.
14. Quarantine for High-Density Rootstock
Demand for strict quarantine measures to prevent disease in high-density apple plantation materials.
Appeal for Immediate Government Action
Basheer said the horticulture sector — which sustains lakhs of families across Kashmir — is at a breaking point and needs urgent state intervention. “The losses are unbearable. A timely relief package and systemic reforms are essential to safeguard the Valley’s fruit economy,” he said.
The Union said it will continue to coordinate with growers, traders, cold store owners and government departments to press for early action on the demands.
1 COMMENT
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Ahojte, pozdravujem zo Slovenska! O hre som sa dozvedel od kamaráta, ktorý tvrdil, že mu pripomína staré mobilné klasiky. Skúsil som to večer po práci a páčilo sa mi, že sa to dá hrať bez veľkých príprav. Pri jednej z ciest som už rozmýšľal, že končím, lebo som narážal stále do áut, ale potom sa mi v strede mapy na chicken road game podarilo prejsť oveľa ďalej a to ma motivovalo pokračovať.