The Pulwama fruit market is pivotal for the apple trade in South Kashmir, supporting farmers from Pulwama and the neighbouring districts of Kulgam and Budgam. However, despite its central role in the local economy, the market’s potential is being stifled by poor infrastructure, leaving apple growers and traders frustrated. The recent expansion of the Pulwama fruit market with an additional 50 kanals of land was meant to address space constraints, a welcome move considering the market handles nearly 3.5 million apple boxes annually. However, the critical infrastructure improvements required to make this expansion meaningful remain incomplete. Despite available funds, the second phase of development-including macadamization of the premises, construction of guard rooms, and installation of an entry gate-has stalled without explanation. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that only three auction sheds are currently functional when at least eight are necessary to meet demand. The result of these delays is that growers must store apples in open areas, exposing their valuable produce to weather damage. This lack of proper facilities threatens the quality and shelf life of the fruit itself, leading to potential losses for farmers who already operate on thin margins. Growers have repeatedly voiced their concerns.
Poor infrastructure also affects the movement of goods, as the market’s alternate route, intended to facilitate vehicle flow, is in a dire state of disrepair. The lack of an exit gate further compounds the problem, resulting in traffic bottlenecks that delay shipments, increase transit times, and add to traders’ costs. For a market that forms a crucial part of the regional economy, the consequences of such neglect are severe, hindering not only the livelihoods of farmers and traders but also the broader economic progress of the area. Authorities must break this cycle of delays and neglect. With funds reportedly available and the expansion already negotiated, swift action on finishing construction and infrastructure upgrades is not only possible but essential. Pulwama’s fruit growers and traders deserve better and more functioning, fully equipped fruit markets.
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