‘Growers in utter distress’
Srinagar, Oct 31 : As the spontaneous shutdown continued across Kashmir from last 88 days, the apple growers here have suffered a huge loss while some among them claimed that the transporters too looted them by charging hefty amounts to export the apple boxes to other States.
The apple growers in Kashmir are although gripped under fear following the attacks on non-Kashmiris labourers and truckers in South Kashmir areas.
However, according to the wire service – the apple growers here are facing immense hardships as they have faced a huge loss due to the ongoing uncertainty in Kashmir and hefty amount being charged by transporters and now, the attacks on non-Kashmiri labourers and truckers.
An Apple grower in South Kashmir, told that the apple got rotten as they couldn’t picked up the apples till September 27, adding that after they exported the apples outside Kashmir, the rates got down, therefore giving losses to the growers.
He said that later the transporters charged hefty amount to them, thus adding to the miseries of people.
Taking advantage of the crisis, transporters looted apples growers by charging highest ever fare, they said that transporters are charging a double fare as compared to last few years.
According to JK Govt horticulture contributes significantly to the state economy and is a source of livelihood for 3.3 million of the population. Kashmir produces around 70% of India’s apples earning Rs
6500 crore in exports in 2016-17 and contributing to a 10th of the state’s gross domestic product. (KNO).
