Srinagar, Sep 11(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Thursday welcomed the announcement made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding measures to support transportation of fruit produce from Kashmir.

In a post on X, Bukhari said the decision comes at a time when fruit growers in the Valley are facing heavy losses, with thousands of apple-laden trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to the recent floods.

“At a time when our fruit growers are grappling with huge losses, with thousands of apple-laden trucks either parked in various places in the Valley, or stranded on the National Highway following devastating floods in the region, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement offers timely relief.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThank you, @AshwiniVaishnaw,” Bukhari wrote.

He said the initiative would help reduce the dependence of Kashmiri growers on vulnerable road connectivity and ensure that produce reaches markets across the country without delay.

According to officials, the recent floods and frequent highway disruptions have caused significant losses to the horticulture sector, considered a mainstay of Kashmir’s economy. The government has been exploring alternatives to road transport to safeguard the interests of fruit growers.(KNS).