Srinagar, Sep 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Apple Farmers Federation has expressed grave concern over the prolonged closure of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, warning that the situation has pushed the farming community to the brink of crisis.
The federation said that the continuous highway blockades have not only disrupted the transportation of horticultural produce and essential goods but also triggered a sharp rise in freight charges. Apple growers, who depend on timely shipments to markets outside the valley, are among the worst affected.
The Federation noted that recent floods have already caused substantial damage to orchards, compounding the economic distress of farmers. With soaring transport costs now eating further into their margins, growers fear massive losses this season, threatening the backbone of the region’s horticultural economy.
Seeking urgent redress, the federation submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam, urging immediate steps to restore unhindered highway movement and regulate carrier fares. The representatives cautioned that if their demands are ignored, they will be left with no option but to launch a strong protest movement in the coming days to safeguard the livelihood of thousands of farmers across the valley. [KNT]
