Srinagar, August 21: A meeting was organized and held under the chairmanship of the Director, Horticulture Planning & Marketing Shri Ghulam Jeelani Zargar to explore and identify modalities for transportation of apple fruit from Kashmir to different parts of the country through the railway network. Representatives from Railway authorities headed by Kapil Sharma, Chief Area manager, Jaswant Singh, ACM Railways and Presidents of various F&V markets of Kashmir participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the feasibility of transporting apples by rail, with particular focus on developing an efficient, economical and time-bound transportation mechanism for the horticulture sector. The initiative is aimed at providing apple growers and traders with an additional reliable mode of transportation, especially during the peak harvesting season.
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bashir, All Valley President of Fruit Growers and Traders Association deliberated on various issues and Challenges associated with rail transportation of Apple. The meeting also deliberated upon various operational aspects, including availability and scheduling of railway services, loading and unloading arrangements, transportation time, handling of perishable fruit, packaging and other logistical requirements. The need for better coordination among the Horticulture Department, Railways, growers, traders and other stakeholders was also emphasized.
The Director, Horticulture Planning & Marketing, highlighted the importance of establishing a dedicated and well-coordinated railway transportation mechanism for Kashmir apples, noting that efficient rail connectivity can help reduce transportation costs and facilitate timely movement of produce to major consumption centres across India.
The Railway authorities assured that the concerns and requirements of the horticulture sector would be examined and appropriate modalities would be worked out in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.
The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure for Kashmir’s horticulture produce and to ensure better market access and improved returns for apple growers. It was decided that further deliberations shall be held with trader Associations, Buyers, Growers Associations and Transport Associations to explore the most feasible mechanism for transportation of fruit through railways.
