Railways brings relief to apple growers; around 2,000 tonnes of apples dispatched to mandis

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 17 (STC): Amid the prolonged closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the authorities on Wednesday said that
In a major relief to fruit growers, around 2,000 tonnes of apples have been transported to outside mandis through railway from the Valley so far this season, says an official report.
“Since past week, 1,25,376 apple boxes have been dispatched by train, mostly to Delhi. From Anantnag Railway Station, 87,137 boxes were dispatched, while 38,239 boxes were transported from Budgam Railway Station,” an official said.

Chief Area Manager Kashmir, Northern Railways, Saqib Yousuf told media that from Anantnag, 350 tonnes, 650 tonnes and 376 tonnes of apples were already loaded and dispatched in separate consignments. “From Budgam around 600 tonnes have also been dispatched,” he said.

It’s pertinent to mention that Kashmir’s apple industry, which constitutes 70 percent of the country’s apple production, continues to remain at the mercy of the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Official reports reveal that the heavy rains and landslides last month choked the highway for nearly two weeks, leaving truckloads of apples worth hundreds of crores stranded on the road.
(Straight Talk Communications)