5,5000 tonnes of fruit exported from Kashmir by August-end

Srinagar, Sep 24 (UNI) Notwithstanding the two-month-long agitation over Shri Amarnath Shrine land row, 5,5000 tonnes of fresh fruit was exported to Delhi and other markets across the country till August 31, 2008.

The dispatch of fresh fruit to outside markets is picking up with the advancement of current fruit season, an official spokesman said here today.

As many as 5,5000 tones of fresh fruit has been dispatched to outside markets in the country during this year by the end of August, he said.

About 6,088 load carriers carried fresh fruit from the Valley to the terminal markets of the country during last 21 days as compared to 3,607 trucks last year in the same period, he said.

Of these, 5,250 trucks laden with fresh Kashmir fruit arrived at Delhi market from September 1, 2008 to September 21, 2008 as against 2,813 trucks during last year in the same period.

As many as 838 trucks with Kashmir fresh fruit arrived at different markets during 20 days while as this figure was 794 last year.

The average rate of delicious varieties of Kashmir apple has been Rs 264.96, American Rs 118.92 and Maharaji Rs 159.09 per box during last year which is expected to go up during the current year.

UNI BAS YSS MP CS1429