Cold storage owners must honour agreements with growers: Apple Farmers Federation

Srinagar, Sep 29: The Jammu & Kashmir Apple Farmers Federation has strongly criticised certain cold storage operators, particularly in Lassipora, Pulwama, for ignoring pre-agreed contracts with growers and imposing arbitrary charges.

Zahoor Ahmad Rather, president of the Federation, said farmers reported that operators are exploiting frequent road disruptions to raise fees, disregarding signed agreements. “This unfair practice is pushing growers into distress, adding to their financial burdens amid rising market uncertainties,” he said.

The Federation warned that the situation has led to severe congestion at cold storage sites, with long queues of apple-laden trucks. In many cases, trucks were forced to return without unloading, resulting in significant losses and mounting frustration among farmers.

Rather urged authorities to step in immediately and ensure strict enforcement of agreements between cold storage owners and growers. “Protecting farmers’ interests is essential not only for their livelihood but also for sustaining Kashmir’s economy,” he added.