Apple Farmers Federation urges priority passage for fruit trucks on NH-44

Srinagar, Sep 12: The J&K Apple Farmers Federation has expressed deep concern over the halting of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44), urging the administration to prioritise their movement to prevent massive losses to Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

The federation pointed out that while passenger and other vehicular traffic from the Jammu side is being allowed, fruit trucks continue to be stalled, leading to rotting produce worth crores of rupees.

“Fruits are the backbone of J&K’s rural economy and sustain lakhs of families across the Valley. This callous attitude towards growers is unacceptable. Farmers are already grappling with rising production costs, market volatility, and natural challenges. Arbitrary stoppages like this push them to the wall,” the federation said.

It emphasised that the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway is the Valley’s only all-weather surface link with the rest of the country, and any blockade cripples the movement of goods. During the peak harvest season, thousands of trucks carry apples and other fruits daily to markets across India, where even short delays can result in catastrophic losses.

Truck drivers who approached the federation with their grievances complained of being deliberately halted at various points along the highway. The federation appealed to the administration to intervene and direct the concerned authorities to ensure smooth passage of fruit consignments without further delay.