Transport Turmoil: The Apple Crises in Jammu & Kashmir

The nearly month-long closure of the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway has wreaked havoc on the apple supply chain in the region, leading to a sharp decline in prices at the Jammu fruit mandi. This comes as truck consignments, delayed by severe road damage, have resulted in apples arriving in inferior condition.

The havoc caused by record rainfall has predominantly affected the stretch between Nashri and Udhampur, making this the longest closure of the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country. Although traffic was partially restored, the backlog left hundreds of trucks stranded for days, exacerbating the crisis for growers and traders.

Voices from the ground, including traders like Randeer Gupta, highlight their financial suffering as investments dwindle to nearly no returns. The unsustainable conditions have put the future of the region's primary agricultural trade under question, urging the need for strategic government interventions and reliable transport alternatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)