Video by: Sajad Shah | Text by: Shafat Mir.
Horticulture, like other sectors of business, in the Kashmir valley is the worst hit due to the unrest. The continuous shutdown calls coupled with curfew and restrictions have made it hard for the fruit growers to transport their produce out of the valley. The harvesting season of fruits starts around mid-September during which apple growers say they had to face labour and transportation problems. The state produces around 18 to 22 lakh metric tonnes of fruits, and 80 per cent of it comprises apple. Whosoever was able to transport his produce out of the valley had to sell it on comparatively cheaper rates. Sajad Shah talks to few fruit growers in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
