Jammu, September 3, 2025 : Fruit growers in Kashmir have sounded the alarm over mounting losses as the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains disrupted for days due to incessant rainfall, landslides, and shooting stones. The blockade has left hundreds of fruit-laden trucks stranded, threatening the timely delivery of highly perishable produce to markets across India.
Trucks Stranded, Perishables at Risk
Although vehicular movement was briefly restored on Monday, fresh rainfall on Tuesday again forced authorities to shut down the route. Growers said that while 400–500 trucks managed to cross during the short reopening, nearly 700–800 trucks remain stuck, with many carrying pears and early-season apples that have a short shelf life.
“Earlier, about 1,200 trucks were stranded mid-way between the Valley and Jammu. Monday gave us temporary relief, but now the situation is back to square one,” said Bashir Ahmed, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union.
Ahmed warned that consignments meant for long-distance markets, including exports routed through Kolkata to Bangladesh, were in grave danger of rotting. “Losses could easily run into crores if this continues. Our produce needs to move within hours, not days,” he said.
Mughal Road Not a Viable Alternative
Authorities have opened the Mughal Road for fruit transportation, but growers insist the alternative route cannot handle the volume of produce. “Only six-tyre trucks are permitted on Mughal Road, which carry limited loads,” Ahmed explained. “About 90% of our produce moves in 10- to 16-tyre trucks. Unless bigger trucks are allowed, Mughal Road cannot ease the crisis.”
He added that while smaller trucks can supply Delhi, heavy-duty vehicles are essential for transporting fruit to southern and eastern markets. “Without that, a large section of our trade collapses,” he said.
Political Pressure Mounts
The crisis has drawn sharp reactions from political parties in the Valley. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on X, accused the government of neglecting the horticulture sector. “Fruit growers face severe losses every year due to NH-44 closures. This year, hundreds of trucks are stranded once again, causing inevitable losses,” she wrote. Mufti urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a dedicated train service between Kashmir and Delhi to protect the sector.
Similarly, the J&K Peoples Conference led by Sajad Lone expressed “deep concern” over the persistent disruptions. “Apple transportation is in complete disarray. Orchardists are in distress, suffering huge losses. The Centre must intervene and expedite rail connectivity for fruit shipments,” the party said in a statement.
Rail Cargo Service Announced
In a significant move, Northern Railways has announced that it will launch a daily Joint Parcel Product–Railway Cargo Service (JPP–RCS) between Budgam and New Delhi by the end of September. Approved by the Railway Board earlier this month, the service will provide a direct link for transporting Kashmir’s fruit to major markets.
Growers have cautiously welcomed the decision. “If implemented effectively, the cargo service will reduce our dependence on the highway, which is frequently disrupted by weather and traffic congestion. It will give us a faster, more reliable option to move our produce to Delhi and beyond,” said one grower from Shopian.
Sector Under Strain
Horticulture is the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy, supporting nearly 70% of the Valley’s population either directly or indirectly. Apple exports alone generate thousands of crores annually. But frequent highway closures, falling market prices, and logistical challenges have left growers increasingly vulnerable.
“This year we were already facing lower returns in the market. The current highway blockade could turn an already difficult season into a complete disaster,” Ahmed warned.
🍏 At a Glance: Kashmir’s Horticulture Crisis
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Highway Blockade: NH-44 closed repeatedly since August due to rains & landslides.
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Trucks Stranded: 700–800 trucks stuck; 400–500 moved during brief reopening.
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Major Crops Affected: Apples, pears, plums, peaches, with early-season varieties at risk.
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Exports Impacted: Consignments to Bangladesh via Kolkata facing delays.
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Economic Scale: Horticulture supports ~70% of Kashmir’s population.
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Loss Estimates: Crores at risk due to rotting produce and falling market prices.
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Alternative Route: Mughal Road allows only six-tyre trucks; not viable for bulk exports.
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Relief in Sight: Northern Railways to start Budgam–Delhi fruit cargo service by Sept-end.
