Srinagar, August 21: The Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing on Friday held discussions with railway authorities and representatives of Kashmir’s fruit industry on exploring rail-based transportation of apples to markets across the country.

The meeting, chaired by Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, was attended by railway officials, including Chief Area Manager Kapil Sharma and ACM Railways Jaswant Singh, along with representatives of fruit and vegetable markets from across Kashmir.

The discussions focused on the feasibility of developing an economical, efficient and time-bound railway transportation system for Kashmir’s apple industry.

Representatives of growers and traders highlighted the challenges involved in shifting perishable fruit through rail, while officials discussed train availability, scheduling, loading and unloading facilities, handling arrangements, packaging and other logistical requirements.

Officials said an organised rail transportation mechanism could significantly reduce freight expenses and help Kashmir’s apple crop reach major consumption centres across India in a timely manner.

The Director stressed the need for a dedicated and coordinated system that could meet the requirements of the horticulture sector, particularly during the peak apple season.

Railway authorities assured the participants that the concerns of growers and traders would be examined and appropriate arrangements worked out in consultation with stakeholders.

It was decided that further consultations would be held with fruit traders, buyers, growers and transport associations to identify a practical and sustainable mechanism for moving Kashmir’s horticulture produce through the railway network.