Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: The fruit market in the Sheikhar area of Pulwama is craving for Government attention as the fruit dealers were forced to set up their shops in the tents due to scarcity of concrete sheds and other essential commodities.
However, due to the scarcity of essential commodities, the routine trade of apple produce is also getting hampered.
The fruit market is spread over 56 kanals of land but the catchment area is very large and the space is very little.
“The Market caters to the needs of about 500 villages and almost each village produces more than 4000 boxes annually”, said Mohammad Ayoub Dar, a fruit dealer.
He added that Abhama, Sangerwani, Mirgund, Pakherpora and other high altitude villages producing high quality apples are dependent on this fruit market but due to scarcity of sheds, shortage of electricity, drinking water and dusty paths and dusty ground, the fruit traders are facing manifold problems to do business. After rains it becomes more difficult to walk into mud filled area of the market, he maintained.
“This year demand for the produce is less as compared to previous one and we have to store the fruits in tents for longer periods. We store the fruits at the mercy of weather as rains can damage the fruits anytime”, said Mysar Ahmad.
He urged the Government to develop this fruit market to support the horticulture industry in the area.
Mohammad Saleem, a buyer from Delhi said that government should provide some residential and banking facility in the vicinity of the fruit market to ease the stay of outside buyers.
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