Kashmir fruit growers warn of Rs 700 Cr loss as Sgr-Jmu highway remains shut
Srinagar, Sep 8: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union on Monday warned of losses worth Rs 500–700 crore to the horticulture sector due to the continuous closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44).
The alarm was raised during a crucial meeting between Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Suleman Choudhary, and Union Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer in Srinagar.
The Union highlighted that hundreds of fruit-laden trucks, carrying early-season varieties such as Babogosha and Galamast Red Ghala, have been stranded for days along the highway. Prolonged delays have already damaged perishable consignments, while the continued blockade has forced growers to leave fruits unharvested in orchards. With apple crops shedding prematurely, growers fear escalating financial devastation.
Chairman KVFGU, Bashir Ahmad Basheer noted that despite advisories against harvesting, natural fruit fall has begun in orchards, compounding the crisis. “If the highway remains closed, the minimum loss will not be less than Rs 500–700 crore, and it is increasing daily,” he said.
The Union expressed partial appreciation of the government’s decision to allow six-tyre trucks via the Mughal Road. However, Basheer stressed that the arrangement is ineffective since perishable fruits require long-haul 10, 12, or 14-tyre trucks for bulk transport to markets across India.
During the meeting, IGP Traffic acknowledged the challenge, clarifying that Mughal Road is unfit for larger trucks under current conditions. Basheer further revealed that freight charges have skyrocketed to nearly 300 times the normal rates, further squeezing farmers and dealers already reeling from supply chain disruptions.
Choudhary assured the delegation that the Traffic Police Department is making all possible efforts to restore NH-44. He said he had been in constant touch with the SSP Traffic (National Highway) and added that, weather permitting, the highway could reopen within a day. He also assured that fruit-laden trucks would be given top priority once movement resumes.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides stressing the urgency of reopening the highway to safeguard Kashmir’s fruit economy—considered the backbone of the Valley’s agriculture sector.
