Fruit growers protest halting of apple trucks; Admin says all trucks to be cleared tonight
27/09/2022
Srinagar, Sep 26: Fruit growers of Kashmir on Monday held a demonstration here ag-ainst alleged stopping of apple-laden trucks by authorities at various places along the national highway en route to terminal markets of the country.
However, administration has dismissed the allegations, saying the trucks were being halted due to natural causes, and said that all stranded Jammu-bound trucks will be cleared by tonight. Meanwhile, political parties also criticised the administration for the fruit growers' plight, and requested it to make necessary arrangements to facilitate hassle-free movement of fruit laden trucks from Kashmir to Delhi and other markets of the country.
Members of the Fruit Growers Association held the protest demonstration at Parimpora fruit mandi and on Residency Road at Lal Chowk. The protestors alleged that fruit laden trucks were being deliberately withheld at various places, which has resulted in the produce going bad before it reaches the markets.
"The horticulture sector is the backbone of Kashmir economy and 35 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with it. Any adverse impact on this sector will severely hurt the ecconomy of kashmir," one of the protestors said. Dismissing the the fruit growers' allegations, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said the trucks were being halted due to natural causes, which were beyond anyone's control.
"The claim made by certain fruit growers association on the halting of fruit trucks is half truth and natural reasons are hindering traffic. We have difficulties in the movement of traffic on the highway due to rains and resultant shooting stones which is beyond human control," Pole said in a statement. He said all stranded Jammu-bound trucks will be cleared by tonight.
The senior officer said 46,000 goods-laden trucks including 29,000 apple trucks have been sent out of Kashmir since September 1, 2022. Pole said there has been bumper apple crop this year due to abundant rainfall.
"Apple production in Kashmir is 17 metric tonne but due to abundant rainfall, there has been a bumper crop and will cross 21 metric tonne," he said. The Divisional Commissioner asked the transporters to use alternate Mughal road for at least empty trucks, which will lessen the burden on the national highway.
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