Kashmir’s fruit growers intensified their strike on September 16, 2025, halting operations at key mandis like Sopore and Shopian in protest against the Srinagar-Jammu NH-44’s heavy vehicle ban, which has escalated losses to ₹700 crore from rotting apples and pears amid ongoing landslide repairs. Supported by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), over 200 workers staged a sit-in at Srinagar’s Press Colony, led by MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, demanding immediate HMV restoration to salvage the ₹15,000 crore industry employing 3.5 million. “Our harvest is perishing; the government must act before the season collapses,” urged Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Association Chairman, noting 1,000 truckloads spoiled since the nine-day blockade.
Industry losses: ₹700 crore; employment: 3.5 million.
Spoiled loads: 1,000 trucks; yield drop: 20%.
Highway damage: 12,000 km; rainfall excess: 150%.
Mandi suspension: 2 days; price spike: 30-50%.
The strike, now in its third day, coincides with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s meeting today, where CM Omar Abdullah seeks highway handover for elected oversight. NH-44, damaged over 12,000 km by 150% excess rains killing 40 and displacing 15,000, remains restricted for HMVs, spiking vegetable prices 30-50% and drying petrol pumps. Sopore mandi, Asia’s second-largest, suspended for two days, affects 70% of Valley’s apples from Pulwama and Baramulla. “Trucks can’t move; we’re losing 20% yields,” said grower Fayaz Ahmad Malik, whose early pears fetched 15% less due to delays.
Post-flood recovery strains the sector, with 27 rainy days causing ₹1,200 crore damages and 4,000 stranded vehicles. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce appeals for rail freight via USBRL, which yesterday ferried 753 MT Army supplies and today carries apples to Delhi—boosting exports 20%. Yet, only 10% freight uses rail, urging daily rakes. The strike highlights 23% youth unemployment, with 68% rural reliance on horticulture. As Vaishno Devi yatra resumes post-22 days (impacting ₹700 crore tourism), growers vow continuation until access, pressuring ₹209 crore relief utilization for resilient infrastructure like Z-Morh tunnel.