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Kashmir fruit growers write to PM Modi, requests him to reconsider 5000 kanal NIT campus

14 January 2025

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Srinagar: The apple growers and residents of Newa Pulwama in Kashmir have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the proposed acquisition of 5000 kanals of fertile land for an NIT campus, warning it will devastate Kashmir’s horticulture sector and livelihoods.

In an open letter written to Mr Modi, the farmers have emphasized the importance of Kashmir’s apple industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural economy, and highlight potential economic, environmental, and cultural consequences. The letter requests the government to use barren or non-agricultural land for the project instead to safeguard both the region’s economy and heritage.

Here is the full text of the letter:

Shri Narendra Modi Ji,
Honorable Prime Minister of India

Subject: Appeal to Save Newa Pulwama Horticulture from the Proposed Acquisition of 5000 Kanals for the Establishment of National Institute of Technology

Respected Narendra Modi Ji,

We, the apple growers, horticulturists, and residents of Newa and surrounding villages in Pulwama, are writing to you with deep concern regarding the proposed acquisition of 5000 kanals (625 acres) of fertile land for the establishment of an NIT campus in our region. While we fully acknowledge the importance of advancing education and technology, we are compelled to bring to your attention the critical threat this proposal poses to the future of Kashmir’s horticulture industry and the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on it.

India is ranked 5th globally in apple production, and Kashmir contributes a significant 85% of India’s apple production. This industry not only sustains the livelihoods of millions of Kashmiris but also supports a vast network of stakeholders across India. Your vision of making India the largest apple producer globally aligns with our collective efforts to strengthen and expand this vital sector. However, the proposed acquisition of such a large tract of fertile land for this project could have devastating consequences for the region’s horticultural economy.

The Adverse Impact of the Proposed Acquisition

Loss of Economic Livelihood
The land in question generates an estimated ₹1500 to ₹2000 crore over the next decade from the horticulture industry, directly supporting thousands of farmers, packers, transporters, and workers. The destruction of this productive land would lead to immense economic hardship for countless families who rely on orchard-based farming as their sole livelihood.
Threat to Employment
Horticulture in Kashmir is more than just an industry; it is a lifeline for the people. The proposed land acquisition threatens to jeopardize thousands of jobs, not only for apple growers but also for workers across the entire supply chain, including packaging, transport, and trading. This loss of employment will contribute to rising unemployment and social instability in the region.
Environmental Devastation
The removal of these orchards would result in irreversible environmental damage. Orchards play a crucial role in maintaining soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity in the region. Their destruction would lead to ecological degradation, worsen the impact of climate change, and harm the very natural resources that make Kashmir’s agricultural economy sustainable.
Erosion of Cultural Identity
Kashmir’s apple cultivation is deeply tied to the region’s cultural heritage. It is an identity passed down through generations. Destroying this orchard-based industry not only affects the economy but also erodes the cultural legacy that has defined Kashmir for centuries.

Our Humble Appeal

Honorable Prime Minister Ji, we are not against progress or development. We fully support the establishment of educational institutions like NIT in the region, as we recognize the importance of education in shaping a brighter future for our youth. However, this cannot come at the cost of our fertile agricultural land and the livelihoods of thousands of families.

We respectfully urge you to consider the following alternative to safeguard the future of Kashmir’s horticulture industry:

Utilize Barren or Non-Agricultural Land: The government could explore options for the NIT campus on unused, barren, or non-agricultural land in the region. This approach would ensure the protection of our fertile lands and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

A Call for Justice

As the leader of our great nation, we implore you to protect the horticulture of Newa Pulwama, which contributes significantly to India’s agricultural economy. Your intervention can prevent the ruination of thousands of families and ensure sustainable development for the region.

We have full faith in your leadership and your commitment to inclusive growth. We sincerely hope that you will prioritize this urgent issue and stand with the apple growers of Kashmir to protect both our land and legacy.

Sincerely,
The Growers and Residents of Newa Pulwama.