Highway blockade, soaring freight costs push Kashmir fruit growers to brink
Farmers warn of strong protests if authorities fail to restore highway movement
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, apple and walnut growers have warned of massive losses as the prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu highway and steep rise in freight charges cripple horticultural trade across the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Apple Farmers Federation said the continuous blockade of the highway has disrupted transport of apples and pears to outside markets, while freight costs have skyrocketed, eating into farmers’ margins. The Federation pointed out that recent floods have already damaged orchards, compounding economic misery, and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam demanding immediate redress. It warned that if the authorities failed to restore highway movement and regulate freight rates, farmers would be forced to launch strong protests.
The Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture also voiced concern over the crisis. Its President, Hakim Khalid Ahmed, urged the administration to compensate farmers affected by floods and incessant rains, regulate freight costs, and create a relief scheme to sustain livelihoods. “The horticulture sector is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. Immediate government intervention is essential to prevent long-term damage,” he said.
Meanwhile, walnut harvesting has begun in Islamabad, Pulwama, Kupwara and other districts that contribute over 90 percent of India’s walnut production. Farmers, however, face risks as traditional tree-thrashing methods often result in fatal falls. Despite producing unique varieties like Wonth, Kaghazi and Barzul, growers said they are being squeezed by lack of local processing facilities, poor packaging support, and competition from cheaper imports from California, Chile and China. With the Srinagar–Jammu highway closed, many lamented that even moving produce to markets in Jammu has become impossible this season.
Fruit growers across the occupied territory warned that without urgent intervention, Kashmir’s horticulture sector—sustaining lakhs of families—faces collapse under official neglect and recurring disruptions.
