SRINAGAR: Apple growers across Kashmir are reeling under an unprecedented rise in transport charges, with freight rates per apple box touching ₹189 on Friday. The steep hike has been attributed to a shortage of trucks following damage to Kashmir national highway and restrictions that allow one-way movement via the Mughal Road and return traffic through the Banihal tunnel.
Growers from Shopian and Sopore, two of the Valley’s largest apple-producing hubs, confirmed that the current freight charges range between ₹150 and ₹189 per box. “This is a very concerning situation for us. At this rate, the costs will eat into whatever returns we get from the market,” said one grower from Kulgam.
The Fruit Growers Association expressed alarm over the crisis, warning that the shortage of trucks could severely affect the ongoing apple harvesting and transportation season. “With traffic diversions and one-way restrictions, truck availability has dropped drastically, pushing freight rates to unsustainable levels,” the association said.
The recent introduction of freight trains for fruit transportation has provided some relief but remains inadequate. “A single train can carry only the equivalent of 16 truckloads. The daily requirement is in the hundreds of trucks. Rail transport is a support, not a solution,” said a Sopore-based grower.
Apple is Kashmir’s economic backbone, providing livelihood to hundreds of thousands of families. The growers fear that if the transport bottleneck continues, the Valley’s produce may not reach outside markets in time, resulting in significant financial losses.
Industry leaders have urged authorities to intervene urgently to ensure sufficient truck availability and stabilize freight charges to protect the interests of farmers.
