Kashmir’s Economic Backbone at Risk: How Highway Blockades Are Hitting Apples and Tourism

Published on September 9, 2025

The apple industry in Kashmir, once the backbone of its rural economy, is facing an unprecedented crisis, with prolonged blockades of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway stalling the transportation of produce. For decades, the valley’s apple orchards have been a vital economic contributor, outpacing even tourism in terms of revenue. However, the latest disruptions in transportation, compounded by the recent floods, are leaving apple growers in distress and threatening to undermine not only their livelihoods but also the region’s tourism industry.

A Strained Economic Backbone

Kashmir’s apple industry is more than just a sector; it is the heart of the region’s economy. Valued at over Rs 12,000 crore, the industry generates substantial revenue, surpassing the contributions made by the tourism sector, long regarded as the region’s economic lifeblood. Economic reports reveal that the apple industry supports around 3.5 million people directly or indirectly and contributes approximately 10% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP. As such, any disruption to this sector sends ripples through the local economy, particularly impacting the tourism industry, which thrives on the prosperity of its surrounding communities.

Highway Blockades and Transportation Woes

The Srinagar-Jammu Highway, the vital lifeline for transporting apples from Kashmir to markets outside the region, has been repeatedly blocked due to landslides, heavy snowfall, and security concerns. These blockades have led to an alarming rise in freight charges. With the cost of transport skyrocketing, apple growers are left with shrinking profit margins, struggling to send their harvest to market before it spoils. Kashmir’s apples, a perishable commodity, are highly sensitive to delays, and any hold-up in transport results in significant financial losses for the growers. For those in rural areas where apples are the primary source of income, this is not just an economic blow; it threatens their very livelihood.

A delegation of apple growers highlighted the magnitude of the situation, expressing grave concerns over the uncertainty of their futures. According to them, unless the government intervenes urgently, they risk facing a bleak season. Many growers are now considering abandoning their orchards, a move that would have a devastating effect on the local communities and the region’s agricultural economy.

Impact on Tourism and Local Communities

The crisis within the apple industry also has severe implications for tourism, which is intricately linked to the agricultural sector in Kashmir. The valley’s lush landscapes, famed for their fruit orchards, attract thousands of tourists every year, contributing to the local tourism economy. However, with the apple harvest in jeopardy and many of the valley’s rural inhabitants facing economic hardship, the tourism sector stands to suffer.

Local businesses that rely on the influx of tourists, including restaurants, transport services, and handicraft shops, are feeling the squeeze. Tourism thrives in a prosperous environment, and if the apple industry falters, the tourism industry is likely to feel the effects. The roadblocks affecting apple transportation also hinder the movement of tourists within the region, preventing them from accessing key sites in the valley and reducing the overall tourism footfall.

Sopore and Shopian: The Heart of the Crisis

Sopore Fruit Mandi, one of Asia’s largest fruit markets, is responsible for nearly ₹3,000 crore in turnover and handles approximately 40% of Kashmir’s apple production. In the heart of Sopore, the market is a bustling hub, with trucks arriving daily to ship apples to markets across India and abroad. The ongoing transport issues, however, have left many of these trucks stranded, with only a fraction of the expected shipments being completed. The situation is dire for those relying on this vital trade to sustain their families.

Shopian, known as the “Apple Bowl of Kashmir,” has seen a dramatic rise in its orchard area over the past few years. The district now accounts for more than 60% of Kashmir’s apple production and provides livelihoods to countless families. However, with the current disruptions, even Shopian’s orchards are struggling. Farmers in this region are raising alarms that the ongoing crisis could push them into deeper economic turmoil, threatening their ability to support their families and local tourism businesses.

Urgent Call for Government Intervention

In light of the ongoing crisis, apple growers and local tourism operators are calling for immediate government intervention to alleviate the situation. The industry needs not only better road infrastructure but also logistical support to ensure the timely transportation of perishable goods. Delays in addressing these issues could push the apple sector to the brink of collapse, with dire consequences for both the economy and the local community.

The situation in Kashmir highlights how interconnected sectors such as agriculture and tourism are. What affects one affects the other, and the current crisis offers a stark reminder that the economic health of a region is often tied to its ability to maintain infrastructure and support key industries.

A Call for Resilience and Recovery

Despite the mounting challenges, there is hope that Kashmir’s apple industry and tourism sector can bounce back. The people of the valley, resilient in the face of adversity, are determined to find ways to overcome these obstacles. As the government and industry stakeholders work together to resolve these issues, it is essential to recognize the invaluable contribution of both the apple industry and tourism in maintaining Kashmir’s cultural and economic vibrancy.