Kupwara fruit growers hit by transport shortage, NH44 closure

Kupwara, Sep 19: Fruit growers and traders of Kupwara district are facing severe hardships due to shortage of transport facilities in local mandis. With frequent closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, growers are unable to despatch their produce to different parts of the country. The non-availability of transport has led to heavy losses for the horticulture sector, which happens to be the backbone of district's economy.

Growers while talking to Greater Kashmir said that not only the transport charges but non-availability of trucks has left them helpless.

"Our apples are ready for sale, but there are no trucks available. Even if we get one, the fare charges are hiked manifold, thus pushing us into further losses," said Fayaz Ahmad, a trader at Fruit Mandi Handwara.

Dealers in Kupwara mandi are also anguished with non-availability of transport and extra freight charges. "The situation has worsened for last one month as we are witnessing our produce perishing with each passing day. Transport charges have almost doubled, and without timely transport, fruit quality suffers. We fear this season may end in disaster," said Bilal Ahmad, a grower from Vilgam Kupwara.

Growers in Kupwara have appealed to the administration for urgent intervention. “If the government fails to ensure smooth transport facilities, the livelihood of thousands of families in Kupwara will be lost," said Tanvir Ahmad Dar, a grower from Kuhroo Handwara.

President Fruit Mandi Handwara Mohammad Amin told Greater Kashmir that almost 1,80,000 apple boxes are lying in the mandi due to lack of transport facilities. He said that with the efforts of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, SRTC trucks were offered by the government but they demanded very high charges, which we couldn't afford.