Srinagar, Sept. 16 -- Introduction Kashmir, often called the "fruit bowl" of India, has for centuries been known for its lush orchards, especially apples, walnuts, cherries, almonds, and other temperate fruits. The fruit (horticulture) sector is more than just agriculture for the region: it is deeply embedded in Kashmiri society, economy, labour, even identity. Millions of people-farmers, pickers, transporters, traders-depend on this industry.Yet in recent years, that industry is facing serious trouble: climate change, infrastructural bottlenecks, policy neglect, rising input costs, competition from imports, post-harvest losses, and logistical failures. What once was a flourishing, proud horticultural economy is now often described as in ...