15/09/2025
J&K Apple Farmers Federation
Zahoor Ahmad Rather – President | Mb. No: 9149964629
Abdul Rashid Zainpora – General Secretary | Mb. No: 7006152783
J&K Apple Farmers Federation Urges Restoration of National Highway, Seeks Compensation for Losses
Kulgam, Sept 15:
The J&K Apple Farmers Federation, district Kulgam, on Monday addressed a press conference to highlight the worsening crisis faced by the Valley’s apple industry due to the continued closure of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway.
Speaking to the media, Federation UT President Zahoor Ahmad Rather expressed deep concern, stating that the highway has not yet been restored for heavy vehicles, including apple-laden trucks, causing massive losses to the fruit industry. He further noted that all fruit mandis remain shut, compounding the distress of growers and traders.
The Federation strongly appealed to the government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to urgently ensure smooth passage for stranded trucks and to compensate farmers for the heavy financial losses. They also demanded a waiver of KCC loans for the affected growers.
In a sharp remark, Zahoor Ahmad questioned the functioning of NHAI:
> “If the NHAI is not capable of restoring a one-kilometer road stretch even after 16 days, then what is the purpose of NHAI? They should not even have the right to charge toll tax from apple-laden trucks.”
Looking to the future, the Federation emphasized the urgent need to establish cold storage facilities in every district.
> “In case such situations arise again, growers must have the option to store their produce in cold stores to safeguard their livelihood,” the Federation stated.
Sd/-
(Ramesh Bhat)
For Publication
