PHDCCI pushes for rescue of horticulture sector amid highway disruption

Srinagar, Sep 16: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir Chapter has called for immediate govt intervention to safeguard the Valley’s horticulture sector, warning of crippling losses to apple growers following the prolonged blockade of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.

At a meeting convened by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg to review the crisis, the Chamber urged the constitution of a high-level committee to assess losses and recommend compensation for growers. Senior officials, including the IGP Traffic, Additional Member (Marketing & Business Development) of the Railway Board, Director FCS&CA, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, along with representatives of BRO, NHIDCL and fruit growers’ associations from Pulwama, Sopore, Shopian, Baramulla, Kupwara and Lassipora Cold Store Association, attended the meeting.

The PHDCCI delegation, led by Co-Chairs Himayu Wani and Bilal Kawoosa with Deputy Director Iqbal Jan, strongly backed the concerns of growers.

They highlighted that thousands of fruit-laden trucks are stranded, causing immense financial damage. “This is a testing time for the administration. The government must come to the rescue of the Valley’s major economic activity,” the delegation said. Wani questioned why preparedness is lacking year after year: “Why are we never ready before the harvest? Why do we only raise a hue and cry once calamity strikes?”

The PHDCCI pressed for war-footing action, including swift clearance of highways, alternative evacuation routes, and long-term infrastructure solutions. While welcoming the launch of parcel train services, it stressed the urgent need for multimodal cargo terminals under the Gati Shakti initiative in Public-Private Partnership mode. PHDCCI also called for a comprehensive Master Plan for timely evacuation of apples and other produce, stating that while growers focus on producing high-quality fruit, it is the government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure, logistics, and strategic planning.

Responding to the concerns, Divisional Commissioner Garg assured that steps are being taken to facilitate the evacuation of stranded apple trucks through both the National Highway and the Mughal Road. He added that valley-bound vehicles carrying essential commodities such as fuel and LPG are also being prioritised under a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure to prevent shortages.