Image Source: Rising Kashmir
In a dramatic show of unity and frustration, fruit growers across Kashmir have announced a two-day shutdown of all apple mandis on September 14 and 15, 2025. The protest is aimed at drawing attention to the deteriorating condition of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH44), which has left hundreds of trucks stranded and millions of rupees worth of perishable produce at risk. The shutdown, organized by the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, is accompanied by peaceful demonstrations and urgent calls for government intervention.
Key Highlights from the Protest Announcement
All fruit mandis in Kashmir, including Sopore, Kupwara, and Kulgam, will remain closed for business on September 14 and 15.
Peaceful protests are scheduled from 8 AM to 9 AM on both days.
The protest targets the government’s failure to ensure smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks on NH44.
Growers estimate losses exceeding ₹1,200 crore due to delays and spoilage.
Highway Woes and Economic Fallout
The Trouble Spot
The stretch between Tharad and Balli Nallah in Udhampur district has become a bottleneck for traffic.
Recent rains and landslides have damaged the road, forcing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct temporary patches.
These makeshift solutions have failed to restore normal traffic flow, causing long delays for trucks carrying apples and other fruits.
Impact on Growers
Thousands of trucks remain stranded, some for over 12 days, with fruit consignments rotting inside.
Packaging costs have surged, with apple cartons now costing ₹200, up from ₹40.
Growers report that apples once sold for ₹1,600 per box are now struggling to fetch even half that price due to spoilage and market saturation.
Regional Disruption
Sopore, home to Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi, wore a deserted look on Sunday evening, a rare sight during peak harvest season.
The Mughal Road, often used as a backup route, has also become unreliable due to weather-related damage.
The ripple effect threatens the livelihoods of lakhs of families dependent on horticulture in the Valley.
Voices from the Ground
Fayaz Ahmed Malik, President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, stated that the losses have crossed ₹1,200 crore and urged the government to allow unhindered movement of trucks for at least two days.
Growers questioned the silence of elected officials, asking why no emergency meetings have been convened to address the crisis.
Many recalled that during Central rule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had personally intervened to facilitate truck movement—calling for similar urgency now.
Government Response and New Initiatives
The Indian Railways has launched a daily parcel train service from Badgam to Delhi, offering some relief to growers.
The first consignment reached Jammu and Srinagar on Friday, and growers have welcomed the move, though they demand the service be extended to Sopore.
Political parties like the Awami Ittehad Party have praised the initiative and urged further logistical support.
Conclusion
The shutdown of Kashmir’s apple mandis is more than a protest—it’s a cry for survival from a community that fuels one of India’s most vital horticultural economies. With losses mounting and infrastructure faltering, growers are demanding accountability and swift action. As the Valley braces for another day of silence in its bustling fruit markets, the message is clear: without roads, there can be no harvest, and without support, there can be no future.
Sources: MSN News, Hindustan Times2, Kashmir Life, Brighter Kashmir4
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