Srinagar, Sept 10: The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway has led to a surge in demand for locally produced vegetables, resulting in farmers earning substantial income from their crops in the markets.
Zahoor Ahmad, a local farmer from Budgam district, told Rising Kashmir that he is receiving favourable rates for the vegetables he supplies to local dealers.
“The closure of the national highway has increased the demand for local production in Kashmir’s markets. In recent years, the demand for locally produced goods has been quite low. However, this year, farmers are seeing a good return on their production from local markets,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, said there is no shortage of vegetables at the Parmipora fruit mandi.
He said farmers in the valley are harvesting their vegetable crops in the villages and directly supplying them to local shopkeepers at good prices, which has resulted in farmers receiving a substantial income from their production.
“September is a key season in Kashmir when most vegetables are ready for harvest. During this month, the demand for vegetables from other states significantly decreases,” Basheer said.
“We are also receiving vegetable trucks from other states via the Mughal Road, ensuring no shortage at the mandi. Farmers are selling their produce directly from their fields, and the rising demand for local vegetables has resulted in good returns for them,” he added.
