Fruit growers and dealers in Kupwara district are reeling under severe hardships due to a shortage of transport facilities in local mandis. The problem has been worsened by frequent road closures, leaving growers unable to send their produce outside the union Territory. The disruption has resulted in heavy losses for the horticulture sector, which is the mainstay of Kupwara’s economy. Growers said that not only have freight charges increased sharply, but the unavailability of trucks has left them helpless. “Our apples are ready for the market, but there are no trucks available. Even if we get one, the rates are beyond our reach. This is pushing us into huge losses,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a grower from Kralpora. Many growers have appealed to the administration for urgent intervention. “If the government doesn’t step in immediately to ensure smooth transport, the livelihood of thousands of families in Kupwara will be at risk,” said Abdul Majid, another grower. The crisis has cast a shadow over the current fruit season in Kupwara, with growers and dealers struggling to safeguard their produce and recover their investments.