Unrest in J-K affects apple crop

Bhaderwah/Srinagar, Aug 11 : Ongoing unrest and shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir is affecting the apple crop in the region, which is rotting away due to lack of transport to take the fruits to the market.

The apple growers in the Bhaderwah region of the state are a worried lot as they watch their precious crop rotting away in front of their eyes.

Bhaderwah is the second largest apple producer region in Jammu and Kashmir after Srinagar.

The unrest, which has gripped the region for the past couple of days over the issue of land for a Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, has taken a toll on everything in the valley.

Constant shutdowns, protests and curfews in the state have affected the business and normal life in the region.

Lack of proper transportation and hesitancy on the part of prospective buyers due to the unrest has left the apple growers in a lurch, as their crops are rotting away on tress, as they are unable to take their produce to the market for selling.

"This year, we are facing problems due to the tension prevailing in the region. It has become difficult for us to take our fruits to the market. The customers used to come to us, but this year they have not turned up because of the tense situation in the area. If this goes on, then all our crops will be rotten," said Qayoom Mir, an apple grower.

Kashmiri apples are known world over for their superb flavour.

Kashmir is known as the "Apple Bowl of India". It is the major apple-producing region of the country. It is the mainstay of the local economy with hundreds of rural people eking out their livelihood from this industry. By Parvez

ANI