Fruit traders in Kashmir’s Anantnag district have staged a protest by shutting down local markets, citing major disruptions in the transportation of goods on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. The protest reflects the deepening frustration among the horticulture community, which depends heavily on this crucial road link to transport perishable produce such as apples, pears, and walnuts to markets across India.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is the primary route connecting the Valley with the rest of the country. However, frequent closures due to landslides, road maintenance work, and security restrictions have disrupted the smooth flow of traffic. In recent weeks, traders have complained that prolonged halts and traffic congestion have caused significant delays in transporting fruit consignments. For apple growers, whose produce dominates Kashmir’s horticulture sector, even a day’s delay can lead to major losses as the fruit spoils before reaching wholesale markets.
Anantnag, one of the key fruit-producing districts in Kashmir, has been at the center of the protest. Traders and growers argue that their hard work throughout the year is going to waste because of logistical challenges they cannot control. They allege that repeated assurances from authorities have not translated into practical solutions. As a result, they resorted to a market shutdown to draw attention to their grievances.
The horticulture industry is a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, providing livelihood to thousands of families. Apples alone account for a major share of the state’s agricultural exports, generating income not only for farmers but also for laborers, transporters, and traders. With the marketing season at its peak, traders say disruptions at this stage could lead to long-term economic setbacks. Many growers fear that their reputation in national markets could be damaged if consignments continue to arrive late and in poor condition.
During the protest, fruit traders emphasized that the issue is not limited to financial losses but also affects the morale of the community. “We invest heavily in cultivation, packaging, and transport. But year after year, highway blockades ruin our chances of making fair profits,” one grower said. Others stressed that such difficulties discourage younger generations from continuing in the horticulture business, which could have long-term consequences for the region’s agricultural economy.
Traders have demanded that authorities find alternative solutions to reduce the impact of highway blockages. Suggestions include creating cold storage facilities near production centers, ensuring priority movement of perishable goods, and exploring rail or alternate road links. They believe such measures can safeguard the horticulture sector from recurring crises during peak seasons.
Local business associations have expressed solidarity with the protesting traders, highlighting the need for urgent intervention. They argue that the government must prioritize the movement of horticultural products to protect the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the sector. Officials, on the other hand, have acknowledged the difficulties but maintained that natural challenges like landslides are often unavoidable in the mountainous terrain.
As the standoff continues, uncertainty looms large over the region’s fruit trade. Unless timely measures are taken, Kashmir’s growers fear that this season may result in one of the most difficult years in recent memory for the apple industry.
