Adil Nazir
Sopore, Sep 11, KNT: The Traders Federation Sopore has hailed the government’s decision to operate two special trains for transporting fresh fruits from Kashmir to Delhi, terming it a timely intervention that will help safeguard both growers and the Valley’s economy.
President of the federation, Muhammad Ashraf said the move would bring much-needed relief at a time when road blockages and weather disruptions often leave consignments stranded.
“Our economy is dependent on just two sectors, tourism and the fruit industry. Recently, floods hit parts of Jammu and Kashmir and caused road closures on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck. In such situations, growers suffer heavy losses as their produce gets delayed. The decision to run two special trains has come as a big relief,” he said while talking to reporters.
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Expressing gratitude to Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the federation president said the initiative would ensure timely delivery of fresh fruit to markets outside Kashmir, strengthen confidence among growers, and boost the overall economy of the Valley.
He urged the government to continue rolling out measures that protect the interests of farmers and traders, particularly those in the fruit industry, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. [KNT]
