Srinagar, Sept. 13 -- Kashmir's fruit industry, the backbone of the Union Territory's economy, is facing an unprecedented crisis as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) remains closed for heavy motor vehicles for the 15th consecutive day. Landslides and mudslides triggered by continuous rainfall have blocked multiple locations, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying perishable fruits stranded.

The closure comes at a critical time, coinciding with the peak harvesting season. According to industry estimates, losses have already crossed Rs 200 crore, and traders fear the figure could soon touch Rs 400 crore if the highway does not reopen soon.

"Truckloads of apples and pears that left from various mandis across Kashmir have either been...