SRINAGAR: In a significant blow to Kashmir’s fruit economy, the Sopore Fruit Mandi—Asia’s second-largest fruit trading hub—will remain closed on September 9 and 10 due to the ongoing closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
The announcement came from Fayaz Ahmad Malik, affectionately known as Kaka Ji, President of the Sopore Fruit Mandi. Addressing the media, Malik stated that the closure of the vital highway has crippled the movement of fruit-laden trucks, leaving thousands of growers and traders in a state of helplessness.
“After holding a general meeting with all traders and stakeholders, we decided unanimously to close the mandi for two days. There’s simply no way to transport the fruit,” Malik said.
This isn’t just a local inconvenience—the Sopore Fruit Mandi is the backbone of Kashmir’s horticulture sector, particularly during the peak apple harvesting season. It connects the hard work of local orchardists to distant markets across India. With the highway blocked, perishable produce risks spoilage, triggering economic losses and logistical nightmares for many families whose livelihoods depend on timely trade.
The shutdown reflects the region’s heavy reliance on a single arterial route for its agricultural economy. Any interruption, even brief, sends shockwaves through the entire supply chain.
Traders are urging authorities to act swiftly and restore highway connectivity, warning that continued delays will lead to massive financial setbacks for Kashmir’s fruit industry.
At the heart of it all are the growers—the men and women who work the land with patience and pride. Their resilience is unmatched, but even they need support. This closure isn’t just about logistics; it’s about lives, livelihoods, and the very roots of Kashmir’s rural economy. Let’s hope their voices are heard before more damage is done.
