Srinagar, September 17, 2025: In a timely intervention to support the vital horticulture sector, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the provision of State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) trucks to fruit growers upon request, easing transportation challenges during the peak apple harvest season. Horticulture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar emphasized the administration’s readiness to offer these services specifically for ferrying apples, addressing concerns over skyrocketing private freight charges that have surged from ₹60 to as high as ₹230 per peti due to transporter shortages and logistical bottlenecks.The move comes amid growing distress among apple growers across Kashmir, where the fruit industry forms the backbone of the local economy. Recent disruptions, including a shortage of packing materials like paper and bardaan, have compounded issues, delaying dispatches and threatening perishable produce. Minister Dar, who holds the portfolios of Agriculture Production and Horticulture, stated that the government is committed to stabilizing the supply chain by mobilizing SRTC resources, reducing dependency on private operators, and curbing exploitative rates.Speaking to reporters, Javaid Dar highlighted proactive measures, including directives to the Transport Commissioner to engage with truckers’ associations for rate control.
“We are hopeful that most stranded apple-laden trucks will be cleared soon, and the Horticulture Department has been instructed to keep growers informed about truck movements,” he added. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance market access, including demands for additional railway bogies to expedite deliveries to national mandis.The announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders, with the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for swift implementation to avert further crises. As Kashmir dispatches around 2,000 tonnes of apples via rail daily, the SRTC truck service is expected to provide immediate relief, ensuring timely transport and minimizing economic losses for thousands of orchardists.This development underscores the J&K government’s focus on sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare, particularly during the harvest window when efficient logistics can make or break the season’s yields.
