Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture flags weather, highway challenges to fruit industry

Srinagar, Sep 2: The Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture has expressed serious concern over the extraordinary challenges faced by the Valley’s horticulture sector in the wake of erratic weather conditions and the fragile state of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

In a statement, Kashmir Chamber of Horticulture president Hakim Khalid Ahmed said the sector, which forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, is under immense stress and requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. He urged officials of the horticulture department to step up awareness among growers about different apple varieties, their shelf life, and suitability for various markets.

Hakim Khalid Ahmed emphasised that safeguarding the quality of Kashmir’s apple produce is essential for sustaining market credibility. He also called for a strict mechanism to discourage the circulation of substandard produce, warning that it undermines the reputation of the Valley’s premium apple.

The chamber said that while the industry continues to be the main source of livelihood for lakhs of people, the combined impact of adverse weather, poor road connectivity, and market volatility demands urgent intervention from the government and concerned agencies.