A severe monsoon season in the Himalayan region has led to catastrophic flooding and landslides, disrupting the critical transport route for Kashmir’s apple harvest. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which carries most of India’s apple supply, has been closed for weeks, leaving farmers stranded with their perishable crops.
As the rotting apples litter the ground in Qazigund, local authorities and farmers face mounting concerns over the economic impact on the region’s agricultural sector and food security. The damage is estimated to cost millions, with some farmers reporting losses of up to 80% of their harvest. This crisis highlights the vulnerability of the region’s economy, which relies heavily on seasonal fruit exports.
Authorities have called for urgent relief measures, including the deployment of temporary bridges and the establishment of alternative transport routes. However, the scale of the disaster has raised questions about the adequacy of disaster preparedness in the area. The situation also underscores the broader challenges of climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has pledged support, but critics argue that the response has been slow and insufficient. As the harvest season continues, the long-term implications for the region’s economy and the millions of people who depend on it remain uncertain.