Srinagar: Since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, there has been a shortage of dry fruits in the Kashmir Valley, which has led to a sharp rise in the prices of these fruits. The shortage of dry fruits has affected the people as well as traders in the valley.
Although a good production of local walnuts and almonds is available in the valley, much of the dried fruits that adorn the valley's markets, such as apricots, figs, almonds, pistachios, royal cumin, are imported from Afghanistan.
Local traders say the situation in Afghanistan is affecting their trade, while consumers are also worried about inflation. Traders say the wedding season is in full swing and the rise in dry fruits prices after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan is having an adverse impact on the market.
India's relations with Afghanistan are currently frozen, which has also affected bilateral trade. Traders say the Indian government should improve relations with Afghanistan so that trade is not affected.
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Traders say local walnuts and almonds are available, but without Afghanistan's dried fruits the market is incomplete.
In fact, people all over the country are eager to buy dry fruits from Afghanistan. Experts believe that given the current situation in Afghanistan, supplies cannot be restored quickly, leaving the public with little hope of immediate relief.
