Srinagar, Oct. 24 -- It begins with a knock at the orchard gate. Traders arrive from outside the valley with polite smiles and sharp eyes. Beside them is a familiar face, a local trusted agent. The agent should be a bridge. He should stand for the farmer. Instead, he often becomes the first point of loss.

Boxes are opened. Apples are inspected. "The color is off," the agent says. "The size is too small. The market is weak this year." Each phrase slices value from the fruit. The agent pockets a commission for himself. The orchardist watches as the sweat of his labour turns into someone else's profit.

This is a story of trust eroded. Agents were once facilitators. They helped farmers negotiate, arranged transport, and ensured smooth trans...