Pulwama's horticulture sector in jeopardy: Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Oct 13: PDP Youth President and MLA, Waheed- ur-Rehman Parra, today expressed grave concern over “the deteriorating state of Pulwama's horticulture sector.”

In a statement he said that the horticulture is being crippled by administrative dysfunction and negligence. Parra called for the immediate intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to address the mounting challenges facing the sector.

He said that with unemployment rising across the region, the local economy, which is largely sustained by horticulture, is under severe threat. The MLA stressed that the backbone of the region is being suffocated by the failure of the local horticulture department to fulfil its duties. "The department is in shambles leaving farmers abandoned in their struggle for development, pollution control, and proper shop allotments," he said.

The PDP leader said that the the struggles faced by fruit traders and truckers are due to the region's inadequate infrastructure. “Issues such as outdated storage facilities and a lack of cold chain management are causing significant financial losses for those trying to transport and sell their produce,” he said.

Parra emphasised that the Pulwama mandi is operating without proper sheds, and there has been no macadamization, leaving the entire area engulfed in dust. "Fruits are being stored in makeshift tin sheds installed by the traders themselves without any government support. The irony is that the government, which claims to support the fruit industry, has provided no assistance. All their promises have fallen flat and proved to be a hoax," he said.

The PDP leader stated that the environmental pollution, continues to harm orchards and fruit crops in the district. He called for immediate pollution control measures to protect Pulwama's agricultural output from further damage.

Parra condemned the ongoing delays in providing proper market spaces, noting that without adequate facilities, farmers are unable to sell their produce effectively, resulting in worsening financial hardships. He stressed the daily struggles faced by truckers transporting horticultural products, who must contend with poor infrastructure and logistical challenges. "Our fruit traders and truckers suffer daily due to inadequate infrastructure and the government’s failure to act. This is not just about Pulwama but the entire supply chain that links us to national markets. Immediate intervention is needed to safeguard these livelihoods," he said.

Parra warned of the urgent need to save the rural economy and the fruit sector, saying, "There is a dire need to protect the rural economy and our fruit industry. All those directly or indirectly associated with this sector are facing a terrible crisis. It is heartbreaking to see how many livelihoods are being threatened, yet there has been no intervention from the government to save this vital industry."

He called for urgent reform within the horticulture department, arguing that its inefficiency has worsened the situation for all stakeholders. "Farmers are left to fend for themselves," he said, "as the department continues to fail in its basic duties of upgrading infrastructure and providing essential services."

Parra urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene immediately and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the horticulture department, along with a robust development plan that includes infrastructure upgrades, pollution control, and proper market facilities for farmers and traders. "Pulwama's horticulture industry is on the verge of collapse," he warned. "Without swift intervention, we risk losing not just a key economic driver but also the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on it."