Hajin: Apple growers in Vijipara village of Hajin in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district have expressed their strong resentment against the authorities over the poor condition of the inner link road passing through the orchards.
The residents rely heavily on the horticulture sector and claim that the poor road conditions are causing significant difficulties for the farmers. “Despite the government’s claims to uplift the horticulture sector, the authorities have shown an indifferent attitude towards farmers by not providing better facilities, such as roads leading to their orchards,” the farmers said.
Tariq Ahmad, a local fruit business owner, told Kashmir Reader that the bad road conditions are making it difficult to spray pesticides on time, resulting in low-quality production.
The road has never been maintained since its establishment, causing significant inconvenience to the farmers, he said, adding that during apple plucking season, they are forced to transport boxes on their shoulders from orchards to their homes because transporters are unwilling to run on the road.
“We are unable to understand why the road has not been repaired for the last three decades despite being the only connecting link to the orchards. Why this inner link route has not been maintained for thirty years is beyond our comprehension,” Tariq said, adding that the authorities and public representatives have repeatedly neglected this essential road, showing a disregard for the general public’s plight.
Sajad Ahmad, another farmer, said that the lack of maintenance on the inner link road connecting the orchards for the past three decades is incomprehensible to the apple growers. “Despite not demanding a complete overhaul, the authorities could at least patch the potholes on the road,” he said.
The fruit growers said they have brought the issue to the attention of several authorities, including the DDC, Sarpanchs, former MLA, and concerned department, but no concrete action has been taken after several years.
They have expressed hope that Deputy Commissioner Bandipora would personally address the issue and provide relief to the apple growers.
Assistant Commissioner Development Mohammad Ashraf Hakak said that he will look into the issue.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL