Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: The lack of proper infrastructure at the Pulwama fruit market is disrupting trade activities, leaving apple growers struggling to market their produce. Despite recent expansion efforts, essential facilities remain inadequate, creating challenges for both traders and farmers.
The market, located in Prichoo area of Pulwama, recently acquired 50 kanals of additional land to ease space constraints. However, growers and traders say that critical infrastructure remains unfinished.
“The second phase of development, including macadamization, construction of guard rooms, and an entry gate, is still incomplete for unknown reasons,” said Javeed Ahmad, president of the Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Pulwama.
He noted that only three auction sheds are functional, which is insufficient for the market’s needs. “The alternate route, developed to improve vehicle movement, is in a dilapidated state,” he added.
The fruit mandi caters not only to Pulwama but also receives apple shipments from Kulgam and Budgam districts, handling the export of nearly 3.5 million apple boxes annually. “We need at least eight auction sheds, but only three are available, leading to space shortages. Construction of another shed began but suspended due to an estimation error,” Ahmad explained.
He said growers have repeatedly raised the issue with authorities, but there has been no progress. “The market has fallen victim to official apathy. Funds for construction are available, but issues with the tendering process remain unresolved, leaving us to suffer,” he said.
Ahmad emphasized the need for dedicated grading and packaging spaces capable of handling 10,000 apple boxes at a time. “Without such facilities, we are forced to store apples in the open, increasing the risk of damage,” he added.
Ghulam Rasool, another grower, pointed out issues with the new land. “The uneven surface makes movement difficult. The market needs proper macadamization to ensure smooth truck operations. Additionally, the absence of an exit gate creates traffic chaos,” he said.
Traders argue that the inadequate infrastructure not only hampers trade but also slows the region’s economic growth. “We have waited years for promised upgrades. Authorities spent significant time negotiating with landowners for expansion, but the development work remains stalled,” said a trader.
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