Apple Growers Appeal to PM Modi to Save Kashmir’s Fertile Horticultural Land, ‘Instead of Fertile, Create NIT Campus on Barren Land’
Pulwama, Jan 13, : The apple growers and locals of Newa and its surrounding villages of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reconsider the proposed acquisition of 5000 kanals (625 acres) of fertile horticultural land for the establishment of a National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in the district.
In their letter, the locals acknowledged the importance of advancing education and the establishment of premier institutions like the NIT but stressed the catastrophic impact this decision could have on the region’s horticultural economy, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
The letter emphasized that the apple industry sustains millions of lives, not just in Kashmir but across India, and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the world’s largest apple producer.
However, they pointed out that the proposed acquisition of highly fertile orchard land could derail this progress and cause irreversible damage to the region’s economy and ecology.
The growers outlined the potential economic loss, estimating that the land could generate Rs 1500-2000 crore in revenue over the next decade.
Thousands of families who depend on orchard-based farming, packaging, transportation, and trading would face severe economic hardships if the land were repurposed for the NIT campus.
“This isn’t just an industry—it’s a lifeline,” the letter reads, warning of a significant rise in unemployment and social instability in the region if the project proceeds as planned.
The letter also highlighted the environmental consequences of removing these orchards, which play a vital role in maintaining soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. They argued that destroying these orchards would lead to ecological degradation, exacerbating the effects of climate change in the district.
“Destroying this orchard-based industry not only affects the economy but erodes the cultural legacy that has defined Kashmir for centuries,” they stated.
The growers as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust proposed a constructive solution to the issue, suggesting that the government identify barren or non-agricultural land for the NIT campus. They argued that such a move would allow for the progress and development of the region without compromising its fertile lands or the livelihoods of its people.
In their appeal, the growers expressed faith in the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusive growth and urged him to intervene to protect Newa Pulwama’s horticultural heritage.
“We are not against progress or development. We support the establishment of educational institutions like the NIT, but not at the cost of our fertile lands and the livelihoods of thousands of families,” the letter read.
The apple growers concluded their appeal by expressing hope that Prime Minister Modi would consider their plea and prioritize the protection of Kashmir’s land and legacy while ensuring sustainable development for the region. [KNT]
