The apple industry in the Kashmir Valley has been the backbone of its economy for more than three decades, transforming vast stretches of agricultural land into thriving orchards. This shift, aided by government incentives and hard work of orchardists, created not just a product but a livelihood that supported lakhs of families. Yet, the current crisis—where blocked roads and weather vagaries are causing losses estimated at over ₹1,200 crore—exposes a bitter truth: decades of neglect in building resilience for this crucial sector.
The tragedy is not of nature alone but of policy failure. For thirty years, the Valley’s economy grew around apples, but policymakers never worked to create alternatives or safeguards. Infrastructure like community cold storages, effective rail links, and dedicated transport corridors could have cushioned the blow during crises. Countries with far harsher climates have managed to sustain perishable industries because of strong post-harvest infrastructure. Why was the Valley, despite being a prime horticultural hub, left dependent on fragile road links and the mercy of weather?
Politics, unfortunately, overshadowed governance. Instead of farsighted planning, immediate appeasement took precedence. Those raising slogans today should, in fact, turn their energy toward demanding structural solutions rather than short-term grievances. The loss of apple harvests is not just about money; it is about shattered trust in leadership that claimed to champion development.
It is time that policies for the Valley’s horticulture moved beyond tokenism. Cold storage facilities, diversification in crop patterns, processing units, and alternative transport links must be part of a multi-pronged strategy. The apple farmer has shown resilience for decades, but resilience has limits. Without systemic changes, losses will multiply, and an entire economic backbone will remain vulnerable. The Valley deserves governance with open eyes—not politics that blinds.
