Srinagar, 18 September,2025: In a major relief for fruit growers across the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has deployed State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) trucks to ensure the timely and hassle-free transportation of horticultural produce to bigger markets outside the Union Territory.
The move is being seen as a significant step to support the apple industry in Kashmir, which forms the backbone of the Valley’s economy. With thousands of metric tonnes of apples and other fruits harvested every season, farmers had long demanded a reliable system to prevent delays in transportation that often led to heavy losses.
Officials said that the dedicated SRTC fleet will enable fruit growers to send their produce swiftly to major mandis in Delhi, Mumbai, and other parts of the country. This will not only help reduce post-harvest wastage but also ensure that farmers fetch better prices for their produce in competitive markets.
“This intervention by the government is a big boost to our livelihood. Now we can reach bigger markets on time, which means better profits and more prosperity for our families,” said Bashir Ahmad, a fruit grower from Shopian.
The horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir contributes significantly to the region’s economy, with apples accounting for more than 70% of India’s total production. Ensuring smooth logistics has been a long-pending demand of growers, especially during the peak harvest season.
The government has assured that it will continue to provide all possible support to the farming community, including better road connectivity, cold storage facilities, and efficient transport systems, to strengthen the horticulture sector and improve the income of farmers.
