Srinagar, Sep 18: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) State President Vivek Bali has appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to immediately initiate district-level committees across the Kashmir Valley to assess the heavy losses suffered by fruit growers due to the prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Vivek Bali stressed that special teams should be sent to every village to conduct on-ground inspections. These committees, he said, must compare last year’s production with this year’s output to evaluate the extent of damage and quantify the actual financial loss. “Only after a proper assessment of the fruit loss and the overall damage caused to the fruit industry can adequate compensation be provided to the affected growers. This is not just about farmers, but also about thousands of families who depend on the fruit industry for their livelihood. They need a sign of relief so they can continue to sustain their households,” he said.
Highlighting the gravity of the crisis, Bali recalled the words of one grower who told him that he had lost nearly 80 percent of his produce this year. “Earlier, hailstorms had already damaged our crops. Now, the highway closure has broken our last hope. Without government intervention, we cannot survive. The fruit industry is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, and if it collapses, thousands of families will be pushed to the edge,” he added.
Bali urged both the Centre and the LG administration to act swiftly and extend relief to the fruit-growing community and traders associated with the industry. He underlined that immediate compensation is necessary to prevent further distress among the growers.
He also connected his appeal with a special occasion, noting, “On the birthday of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are hopeful that he will consider this situation seriously and announce a relief package for the affected fruit growers and businessmen. Such a gesture would not only support the industry but also strengthen the bond between the government and the people of Kashmir.”
Bali concluded by saying that Kashmir’s fruit industry has always been a source of pride and economic strength for the Union Territory, but repeated challenges such as climate change, transportation blockades, and poor infrastructure have left growers vulnerable.
“This is the right time for the administration to stand with the people. Timely action can save the livelihoods of thousands of families, restore faith in governance, and secure the future of the Valley’s most vital sector,” he remarked. (JKNS)
