Rail transport transforms fortunes of Jammu & Kashmir cherry farmers; profit doubles as consignments reach Mumbai’s Bandra
मुख्य बातें
- •Indian Railways for the first time transported Jammu & Kashmir cherries to Mumbai’s Bandra mandi in refrigerated cargo.
- •Compared to road transport, rail transit keeps cherry quality intact, yielding better prices for farmers.
- •Farmers’ incomes have risen significantly, and Mumbai traders benefit from a steady supply of fresh produce.
- •The initiative heralds a new revolution in agricultural logistics across India.
- •Government should promote more such schemes so that other farmers can also benefit.
For farmers in Jammu & Kashmir, rail transport has proved nothing short of a boon. Where cherries grown in the hill districts once struggled to reach major markets such as Mumbai, the Indian Railways has now made it possible through a dedicated cold-chain solution. In a first, cherries from the Valley were recently moved directly to Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus in refrigerated cargo. The initiative has not only lifted farm incomes but also preserved product quality, driving stronger demand in the marketplace.
The Railways has effectively bridged the gap between growers and traders. Earlier, cherries were sent by road, risking spoilage en route. Now, insulated containers keep the fruit fresh and safe all the way. Once the consignments arrive at the Bandra mandi, farmers command better prices, sharply boosting their earnings. Experts believe that if this arrangement continues, the gains for farmers will compound over time.
