Srinagar, Sept. 17 -- Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday criticised the Union and J-K governments over apple farmers' losses due to delay in restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and said the issue should have been taken more seriously.

She said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should have taken the step 15 days back as horticulture is the backbone of the state.

"All governments know that the horticulture industry is the backbone of J&K. Omar Abdullah called up (Union Minister) Nitin Gadkari today, but he could have done this 15 days back too. Government should have taken this seriously," Mufti told reporters.

The PDP chief said that National Highway has alway has under the jurisdiction of the...