The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has called upon all wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable dealers across the region to ensure essential food items remain accessible and affordable for the public.
The union, which represents the collective interests of all fruit and vegetable growers’ associations in Kashmir, said it is the collective responsibility to address the current hardships faced by residents amid ongoing tensions.
In its official statement, the union said, “The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, Srinagar, which is an elected umbrella body representing all fruit and vegetable growers’ associations of the valley, humbly requests all wholesale and retail dealers to make fruits and vegetables available to the general public at reasonable and affordable prices on humanitarian grounds, considering the current situation and our duties towards society.”
The statement came in the wake of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the last few days. However, both nations announced a ceasefire on Saturday late afternoon. The statement was issued before the ceasefire announcement.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the president of the union, Basheer Ahmad Basheer, said fruits and vegetables are daily essentials and must be made accessible to everyone. He urged dealers to moderate their prices and make efforts to sell these items at discounted rates, helping to stabilise supply and prevent hoarding or exploitation during this critical period.
“Let us come together as a community and fulfil our duty,” Basheer appealed. “Dealers involved in the sale of essential commodities should stand united, sell at reasonable prices, and ensure that the common people do not face shortages or inflated costs. This is a time to prioritise public welfare and prevent any undue advantage being taken of the current situation.”
He further said that all traders dealing with essential items should cooperate and share the responsibility of providing affordable supplies to the public. “We must all do our part to ensure that no one is deprived of basic necessities during these difficult days,” he added—(KNO)
