JKCSF urges GOI for additional parcel trains to safeguard Kashmir’s fruit industry

Srinagar, Sep 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed serious concern over the continuous blockade of the National Highway, which has pushed the fruit industry — the backbone of Kashmir’s economy after tourism — to the brink of devastation.

Wani urged the Government of India to safeguard Kashmir's fruit industry by arranging additional parcel trains to ferry apples to other parts of the country.

In a statement, Wani said that the prolonged disruption of road connectivity during the peak fruit season has broken the spine of the industry and threatens the livelihood of lakhs of families who depend on this sector. “If timely measures are not taken, starvation and financial collapse will grip thousands of fruit growers,” he cautioned.

Calling upon the Government of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister, and the Railway Ministry, Wani strongly urged, through the J&K Government, for immediate arrangements of additional parcel trains on a war-footing basis for the transportation of apples and other fruits from Kashmir to different parts of the country. He specifically appealed for regular parcel trains between Baramulla and Delhi, which would provide a lifeline to the fruit growers and prevent further losses.

While extending gratitude to the PM and Railway Ministry for the earlier initiative of connecting the Apple Parcel Train to Kashmir, Wani stressed that the present crisis demands practical initiatives, not symbolic measures. He also requested the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to use their good offices and pursue the matter vigorously with the Centre to ensure swift relief for the fruit growers by advocating for more apple parcel trains at the earliest.

“The fruit industry is not just a trade; it is the sustenance of lakhs of families. At this crucial juncture, extraordinary steps are required to safeguard the future of our growers and preserve the economic backbone of Kashmir,” Wani emphasized.