Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 04: With the cherry harvest season around the corner, fruit growers across Kashmir are looking forward to a significant shift in how their produce reaches markets outside the Valley. Improved railway logistics and expanded parcel services are expected to enable the transportation of an estimated 10,000 metric tonnes of cherries this year—marking a notable rise compared to previous seasons.
Officials associated with the horticulture and railway sectors told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the enhanced availability of parcel trains, along with plans to introduce air-conditioned cargo facilities, could streamline the supply chain for one of Kashmir’s most delicate and high-value fruits.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring faster delivery while minimising spoilage during transit.
A railway official involved in freight operations said that last year’s response to cherry transport by train was encouraging, prompting authorities to scale up services this season.
“With increased frequency of parcel trains and improved handling systems, we expect a substantial rise in the volume of cherries being transported by rail,” the official said.
Kashmir is known for producing premium-quality cherries, particularly in districts such as Srinagar, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Baramulla. However, due to their short shelf life, cherries have long posed logistical challenges for growers, who traditionally relied on road transport to send their produce to markets in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.
Farmers often faced issues such as delays, high transportation costs, and losses due to spoilage during long journeys.
The shift towards rail transport is now being seen as a potential turning point.
Local growers expressed optimism about the development, saying that faster and more reliable transport could help them fetch better prices. “Cherries are extremely sensitive, and even slight delays affect quality. If trains ensure quicker delivery, it will directly benefit us,” said a grower from Shopian.
Another orchardist from Ganderbal noted that reduced transportation costs could also improve profit margins. “Road transport is expensive and unpredictable. Railways can offer a more stable alternative, especially during peak harvest,” he said.
The proposed introduction of temperature-controlled cargo trains is also being welcomed, as it would help preserve the freshness and quality of cherries over longer distances.
Experts believe this could open up new markets and enhance the competitiveness of Kashmiri cherries at the national level.
Officials said coordination between the horticulture department, railway authorities, and fruit traders is being strengthened to ensure smooth operations throughout the season.
Loading points, packaging standards, and scheduling are being fine-tuned to handle the anticipated surge in shipments.
If successful, the expanded rail network could not only reduce post-harvest losses but also mark a major step forward in modernising Kashmir’s fruit supply chain—bringing tangible benefits to thousands of growers dependent on the cherry trade—(KNO)
