Srinagar: Fruit growers’ associations in Kashmir have raised concerns that the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel could adversely affect the horticulture industry in the Valley, particularly with the fruit season set to begin in the coming weeks.
In a communication addressed to Jammu & Kashmir’s Agriculture and Horticulture Minister, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, said the conflict in the Middle East could have serious regional and global repercussions for the horticulture sector.
Basheer noted that the Middle East is a key oil-producing region, and the ongoing conflict could lead to higher fuel prices and supply disruptions. Such developments, he said, may impact the availability of diesel and petrol as well as essential agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
According to the growers’ body, any prolonged disruption in fuel supply could affect orchard management and the transportation of fruit produce, potentially causing spoilage and financial losses for farmers across the Valley.
The union also highlighted that the fruit marketing season in Kashmir is set to begin in April–May 2026, starting with the arrival of the cherry crop in local mandis before being transported to markets across the country. Growers fear that shortages of fuel during this period could severely disrupt the movement of fresh fruits from the Valley to other parts of India.
The growers’ representative warned that in the long run, prolonged geopolitical conflicts could weaken the broader agriculture and horticulture economy in affected regions.
In view of the situation, the union has urged the government to consider alternative arrangements to ensure the availability of fuel and essential farm inputs in the Valley so that the horticulture sector remains unaffected during the upcoming fruit season.
Kashmir’s horticulture industry is a major contributor to the local economy and provides livelihoods to thousands of farmers, traders and workers associated with fruit production and marketing.
