In a major relief to apple growers and traders in Kashmir, the Railway Ministry has decided to operate special freight trains to transport the Valley’s apple harvest to different parts of the country, reducing the sector’s dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.The special service is scheduled to begin on September 1 and will continue throughout the apple harvesting season. The move is aimed at preventing a repeat of the losses suffered by growers and traders last year, when prolonged disruptions on the national highway left hundreds of trucks stranded and resulted in damage to apple consignments worth crores of rupees.Although the Railways had made special freight arrangements for apple transportation last year, many growers and traders had already loaded their produce onto trucks bound for markets outside Jammu and Kashmir. With the highway remaining disrupted for weeks, the consignments became stranded, causing significant losses.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-and-murder-convict-gurmeet-ram-rahim-walks-out-of-jail-again-a-look-at-his-17-temporary-releases-since-2020-1787628923236">Gurmeet Ram Rahim walks out of jail again for 17th time</a>This year, the Railway Ministry has moved to address the problem in advance by allocating special goods trains for the transportation of apples from Kashmir. The service is expected to carry thousands of tonnes of apples daily to markets in different parts of the country.“Last year, there were massive losses. Some apple growers even had to pay money out of their own pockets after losing their produce, while still having to cover transportation costs. In some cases, growers were forced to sell their land to cope with the losses. The introduction of a train service could be a great help. It would significantly benefit apple growers by making transportation easier, faster, and more affordable.” said Mohd Sultan Magray, Apple Grower, Pulwama.Apple cultivation is a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The horticulture sector contributes around 9 per cent to the Union Territory’s GDP, with apples accounting for a major share of the sector. Around 35 lakh people are estimated to be associated with horticulture in the Kashmir Valley.The apple industry is widely regarded as one of the main economic backbones of Kashmir and provides livelihoods to a large section of the population. Its scale and employment potential also make it a crucial contributor to the Valley’s rural economy.Apple growers and traders across Kashmir have welcomed the Railway Ministry’s decision, saying dedicated freight services will provide them with an alternative and more reliable mode of transportation, particularly when road connectivity is affected.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-suspends-amazon-instamart-bigbasket-food-licences-over-poisonous-datura-sale-1787624566860">Karnataka suspends Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket food licences over datura sale</a>“It will be extremely beneficial for apple growers. The train service is a great help because we can transport our apple produce without disruptions. It is also more cost-effective than sending the produce by trucks, and we can send it to different parts of the country. Last year, we suffered significant losses due to poor road connectivity and transportation issues. If the train service is made regular, it will reduce our transportation costs, minimize damage to the produce, and help us earn better profits. Overall, this service could make a huge difference for apple growers.” &nbsp;said Ishtiyaq Ahmad Mir, Apple Grower, Pulwama.Growers have also appreciated the government’s decision to make arrangements ahead of the peak harvesting season, saying timely transportation is essential to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure that Kashmir’s apples reach markets across the country without unnecessary delays.

Starting September 1, special railway freight trains will transport Kashmir’s apple harvest across India, offering growers a faster, cheaper alternative to avoid past highway-disruption losses.

In a major relief to apple growers and traders in Kashmir, the Railway Ministry has decided to operate special freight trains to transport the Valley’s apple harvest to different parts of the country, reducing the sector’s dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The special service is scheduled to begin on September 1 and will continue throughout the apple harvesting season. The move is aimed at preventing a repeat of the losses suffered by growers and traders last year, when prolonged disruptions on the national highway left hundreds of trucks stranded and resulted in damage to apple consignments worth crores of rupees. Although the Railways had made special freight arrangements for apple transportation last year, many growers and traders had already loaded their produce onto trucks bound for markets outside Jammu and Kashmir. With the highway remaining disrupted for weeks, the consignments became stranded, causing significant losses. Also read: Gurmeet Ram Rahim walks out of jail again for 17th time This year, the Railway Ministry has moved to address the problem in advance by allocating special goods trains for the transportation of apples from Kashmir. The service is expected to carry thousands of tonnes of apples daily to markets in different parts of the country. “Last year, there were massive losses. Some apple growers even had to pay money out of their own pockets after losing their produce, while still having to cover transportation costs. In some cases, growers were forced to sell their land to cope with the losses. The introduction of a train service could be a great help. It would significantly benefit apple growers by making transportation easier, faster, and more affordable.” said Mohd Sultan Magray, Apple Grower, Pulwama. Apple cultivation is a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The horticulture sector contributes around 9 per cent to the Union Territory’s GDP, with apples accounting for a major share of the sector. Around 35 lakh people are estimated to be associated with horticulture in the Kashmir Valley. The apple industry is widely regarded as one of the main economic backbones of Kashmir and provides livelihoods to a large section of the population. Its scale and employment potential also make it a crucial contributor to the Valley’s rural economy. Apple growers and traders across Kashmir have welcomed the Railway Ministry’s decision, saying dedicated freight services will provide them with an alternative and more reliable mode of transportation, particularly when road connectivity is affected. Also read: Karnataka suspends Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket food licences over datura sale “It will be extremely beneficial for apple growers. The train service is a great help because we can transport our apple produce without disruptions. It is also more cost-effective than sending the produce by trucks, and we can send it to different parts of the country. Last year, we suffered significant losses due to poor road connectivity and transportation issues. If the train service is made regular, it will reduce our transportation costs, minimize damage to the produce, and help us earn better profits. Overall, this service could make a huge difference for apple growers.” said Ishtiyaq Ahmad Mir, Apple Grower, Pulwama. Growers have also appreciated the government’s decision to make arrangements ahead of the peak harvesting season, saying timely transportation is essential to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure that Kashmir’s apples reach markets across the country without unnecessary delays.

Starting September 1, special railway freight trains will transport Kashmir’s apple harvest across India, offering growers a faster, cheaper alternative to avoid past highway-disruption losses.&nbsp;

Kashmir apple growers get rail lifeline as special freight trains begin September 1

Apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have expressed concern and sought clarity from the government of India following the import duty waiver on US apples under the India–US trade agreement. The government, however, maintains that the apple market has not been opened, and domestic growers remain protected through quotas, minimum import prices, and duties. The quota allotted to the U.S. is lower than existing import levels, ensuring no added market pressure. &nbsp;Growers in the Kashmir Valley fear that cheaper U.S. apple imports could flood Indian markets, depress prices of local produce from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. &nbsp;India is the world’s seventh-largest producer of apples and also one of the largest consumers, with an annual demand of around 2.5 million metric tonnes. The country produces approximately 2.0 to 2.1 million metric tonnes of apples each year. Nearly 80 percent of this production comes from orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, while the remaining share is contributed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/truckloads-of-kashmiri-apples-flood-hyderabad-markets-prices-expected-to-drop-1761228466823/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/truckloads-of-kashmiri-apples-flood-hyderabad-markets-prices-expected-to-drop-1761228466823/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“The recent India trade deal raises serious concerns. If imported apples become cheaper than domestically grown apples, it will not be suitable for Kashmir. Apple growers are the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, and any adverse impact on them will directly affect our economy. This development will severely hurt our local apple growers. I respectfully urge the Hon’ble Home Minister, the Union Government, and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to take note of this issue and introduce a policy to safeguard the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the apple industry. Kashmiri apples are among the finest in the world and deserve fair market value. If US apples are priced cheaper than Kashmiri apples, they will inevitably dominate the market. Therefore, I request the government to prioritise domestic apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Our focus should first be on protecting and promoting our local growers, and only thereafter on importing or exporting apples from other countries," said Tariq Ghani, President, Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-railways-launches-first-parcel-train-from-kashmir-to-delhi-to-aid-apple-growers-1757590391839">In a first, Indian Railways launches first parcel train from Kashmir to Delhi to aid apple growers</a>&nbsp;Growers fear that with the duty waiver, the price of imported US apples could fall significantly, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete. Domestic apples typically have higher production and transportation costs, especially in hilly regions.While other imported varieties, such as apples from Iran, already sell at relatively lower prices in India, US apples are more popular among Indian consumers due to their appearance, shelf life, and branding. Industry experts warn that the new trade arrangement could further tilt consumer preference toward imported apples.&nbsp;''With regard to India’s trade deal that allows American products to enter India at zero percent tax, it is evident that U.S. apples could gain a stronger foothold in the Indian market. Kashmiri apples are currently supplied across the country and fetch good prices. However, if American apples enter at lower prices due to tax concessions, they may be sold cheaper in the market. It must also be acknowledged that American produce benefits from more advanced technology. This is a wake-up call for our growers to upgrade their technology and improve quality so their produce remains competitive and sells smoothly in the mandis.At the same time, the government must provide a clear and transparent picture to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, assuring them that this trade deal will not harm the domestic apple market. Proper safeguards and support mechanisms are essential to protect our local growers,' said Rashid Raahil, Horticulture Expert.&nbsp;Horticulturists have urged the government to clarify the impact of the trade deal on domestic farmers and consider protective measures to safeguard the apple-growing economy of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which plays a crucial role in rural employment and regional income. &nbsp;

Growers fear that with the duty waiver, the price of imported US apples could fall significantly, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete. 

Apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have expressed concern and sought clarity from the government of India following the import duty waiver on US apples under the India–US trade agreement. The government, however, maintains that the apple market has not been opened, and domestic growers remain protected through quotas, minimum import prices, and duties. The quota allotted to the U.S. is lower than existing import levels, ensuring no added market pressure. Growers in the Kashmir Valley fear that cheaper U.S. apple imports could flood Indian markets, depress prices of local produce from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. India is the world’s seventh-largest producer of apples and also one of the largest consumers, with an annual demand of around 2.5 million metric tonnes. The country produces approximately 2.0 to 2.1 million metric tonnes of apples each year. Nearly 80 percent of this production comes from orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, while the remaining share is contributed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. https://www.wionews.com/videos/truckloads-of-kashmiri-apples-flood-hyderabad-markets-prices-expected-to-drop-1761228466823/embed “The recent India trade deal raises serious concerns. If imported apples become cheaper than domestically grown apples, it will not be suitable for Kashmir. Apple growers are the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, and any adverse impact on them will directly affect our economy. This development will severely hurt our local apple growers. I respectfully urge the Hon’ble Home Minister, the Union Government, and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to take note of this issue and introduce a policy to safeguard the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the apple industry. Kashmiri apples are among the finest in the world and deserve fair market value. If US apples are priced cheaper than Kashmiri apples, they will inevitably dominate the market. Therefore, I request the government to prioritise domestic apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Our focus should first be on protecting and promoting our local growers, and only thereafter on importing or exporting apples from other countries," said Tariq Ghani, President, Chamber of Commerce. Also read: In a first, Indian Railways launches first parcel train from Kashmir to Delhi to aid apple growers Growers fear that with the duty waiver, the price of imported US apples could fall significantly, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete. Domestic apples typically have higher production and transportation costs, especially in hilly regions. While other imported varieties, such as apples from Iran, already sell at relatively lower prices in India, US apples are more popular among Indian consumers due to their appearance, shelf life, and branding. Industry experts warn that the new trade arrangement could further tilt consumer preference toward imported apples. ''With regard to India’s trade deal that allows American products to enter India at zero percent tax, it is evident that U.S. apples could gain a stronger foothold in the Indian market. Kashmiri apples are currently supplied across the country and fetch good prices. However, if American apples enter at lower prices due to tax concessions, they may be sold cheaper in the market. It must also be acknowledged that American produce benefits from more advanced technology. This is a wake-up call for our growers to upgrade their technology and improve quality so their produce remains competitive and sells smoothly in the mandis.At the same time, the government must provide a clear and transparent picture to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, assuring them that this trade deal will not harm the domestic apple market. Proper safeguards and support mechanisms are essential to protect our local growers,' said Rashid Raahil, Horticulture Expert. Horticulturists have urged the government to clarify the impact of the trade deal on domestic farmers and consider protective measures to safeguard the apple-growing economy of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which plays a crucial role in rural employment and regional income.

Growers fear that with the duty waiver, the price of imported US apples could fall significantly, making it difficult for Indian farmers to compete.&nbsp;

Apple growers seek clarity as India-US trade deal raises concerns

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Kashmir apple growers get rail lifeline as special freight trains begin September 1

Apple growers seek clarity as India-US trade deal raises concerns