Kashmir Registers 40% Decline In Fruit Exports

There have been 40 percent decline in the export of Kashmiri fruits to other states of the country since the August 5 announcement by the Central government blanketed the Valley in of political uncertainty. According to reports, some 1o,000 trucks carrying around 10 million boxes of fruits plucked from the orchards of Kashmir have been sent to outside markets by the traders, despite threats to farmers and businessmen. Reports said the figure is around 40 percent less than what has been the trend at this time of year in past years.

Despite heavy restrictions and mobile and internet shutdown, trucks carrying Kashmiri fruit moved on the highway since August 5 when clampdown was imposed in Kashmir after scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution. On August 5, 75 trucks carrying fresh fruit were sent outside Kashmir with 105 sent to outside fruit markets on the second day of the clampdown as authorities ensured that supplies are not affected and hassle-free movement of trucks is ensured in and out of the Valley. However, on August 13, not a single truck carrying fresh fruit moved out of the Valley and the highest number of apple trucks – 708 – were sent outside Valley on September 22. A truck driver was also killed when he was hit by a stone pelted by protesters who mistook his vehicle for an Army truck.