Relief for J&K Apple Growers, 150 Trucks Deployed to Aid Transportation

The government of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir recently deployed 150 Road Transport Corporation (RTC) trucks to ensure supplies of fresh apples from the area to mandis across the country, amid worries over high private truck fares and delays in transport, which have damaged the fruits significantly.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir, J&K Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma said, “Due to the natural calamity and highway blockages, many growers have suffered huge losses. The Hon’ble Chief Minister has directed us to create an immediate plan to protect them. We received complaints of overcharging, and to address this, the transport department has prioritized fruit transportation over ration supply.”

The minister added that over 150 RTC trucks have already been dispatched to key mandis in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Sopore. This government intervention is expected to ensure timely transportation, reduce harassment, and prevent financial exploitation of apple growers. “We have already started truck movements from different districts and will continue the service based on demand. The government stands firmly with the growers and will extend support round the clock,” he said.

Sharma also said that the state government had an online meeting with the Chief Minister and with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari regarding urgent road repairs and long-term relief measures.

The introduction of RTC trucks also highlights the role of commercial vehicles within agriculture in India. Farmers can take their produce to market in a timely manner while truck prices are controlled and logistics for delivery is guaranteed. The initiative also highlights the role of commercial trucks to supply stability in the supply chain to ensure the quality of perishables and availability of fresh apples in the market with no losses. 

By selecting RTC trucks initiated by the government over private truck services, the government is attempting to stabilize apple pricing for consumers in the market, help to stabilize growers' livelihoods, and enhance the delivery system of trucks in India which support agricultural produce. 

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