Srinagar, Aug 1: State Secretary of the Jammu Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, on Saturday urged the government to ensure the smooth movement of fresh fruit-laden trucks from Srinagar to the rest of India via the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway during the ongoing harvest season.
“I would like to draw immediate attention to the movement of fresh fruit-laden trucks from Srinagar to the rest of India, particularly via the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway”, he said.
Fruit cultivation is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for lakhs of families. At this critical harvest season, it is the primary responsibility of the government to ensure smooth, hassle-free, and timely movement of these fruit trucks.
“There should be no unnecessary delays, bottlenecks, or hiccups on the highway. Any disruption directly impacts farmers, traders, transporters, and the overall economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Perishable produce cannot afford to wait.”he added.
In his appeal, Ahmad urged the administration and all concerned agencies to:
Prioritize fruit trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu highway with dedicated corridors and facilitation.
Ensure 24×7 clearance and avoid long halts at checkpoints.
Maintain the highway and provide timely updates in case of weather-related disruptions so that alternate arrangements can be made.
Coordinate with security agencies to balance security needs with the economic urgency of perishable goods.
“The government must treat this as a matter of top priority. A smooth supply chain is not just about business—it is about protecting the dignity and income of the people of Kashmir. I appeal to all stakeholders to work together so that Kashmir’s fruit reaches markets across India fresh and on time,” Ahmad said.
