‘Gone to waste’: Kashmir growers watch apples rot as key highway is blocked
Summary
In Kashmir, apple growers are facing significant losses because landslides have blocked a major highway used to transport apples to other parts of India. The blockade, coinciding with the apple harvest season, has led to thousands of trucks being stranded, causing apples to rot and resulting in large financial losses. Farmers and market workers have protested the situation, urging the government to clear the roads quickly.Key Facts
- A key highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of India has been blocked by landslides since August 24.
- The blockades have been caused by severe monsoon rains leading to landslides.
- About 4,000 trucks carrying apples are stranded on this highway.
- The region produces 20-25 million metric tonnes of apples annually during the harvest season.
- Apple growers estimate financial losses of about $146 million due to the blockade.
- Farmers held protests by shutting down fruit markets to pressure the government to reopen the road.
- The price of apples has dropped due to an abundance of supply and spoilage.
- The region relies heavily on apple production as a main economic activity.
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