Apple growers in Kashmir are expected to get a boost after the Union cabinet approved on Wednesday the extension of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for the procurement of apples for the current season.
The fruit is one of the main items of trade in Kashmir, generating an income of Rs 8-10 billion and providing direct or indirect benefits to 2.5 million people in the valley.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha called the decision to extend the MIS a great relief to apple growers and said it will benefit the horticultural sector at J&K and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union cabinet for extend the schema.
“The measure will guarantee optimal prices for apple growers and will give the necessary boost to the economy. The plan is a great relief to apple growers. It will provide comprehensive insurance coverage against any obstacles, helping to stabilize the income of apple growers. It will also address all issues related to marketing and transportation, as well as providing optimal returns to apple growers, ”the lieutenant governor said in a statement.
Sinha said that the government is committed to boosting the horticulture sector as it will contribute to improving the livelihoods of apple growers.
“Since 12 LMT (lakh metric tons) of apples can be purchased under this scheme, in addition to ensuring profitability, it will also create rural employment through complementary services such as packaging, transportation.”
The MIS scheme was first launched in September 2019 and was highly appreciated by J&K apple growers, especially when they were unable to sell their products due to restrictions in the Kashmir Valley following the revocation of section 370.
Officials said the plan will stabilize apple prices in the market and ensure the reduction of emergency sales.
Under the plan, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) will procure apples directly from growers / aggregators at optimal prices at five designated picking centers (Fruit & Vegetable Mandies) in Sopore (Baramulla), Parimpora (Srinagar). ), Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag. The payment will be credited directly to the producers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
“The plan, among other things, will address all issues, including apple marketing and grading, procurement and storage. The plan was launched after taking into account the demands of apple growers, ”said a senior horticultural department official.
The Union cabinet has also allowed NAFED to use a government guarantee of Rs. Rs 2,500 million for this operation. Losses, if any, that will be incurred in this operation will be shared between the Central Government and the administration of UT de J&K on a 50:50 basis.
The necessary infrastructure and facilities have been created in the designated collection centers for the proper functioning of the scheme and high-level officials of the horticulture department will be monitoring and supervising the purchases in the mandis.
Officials said representatives from NAFED and the National Horticultural Board will be associated with procurement and other processes along with staff from the horticulture and agriculture departments.
“The Market Intervention Program for the acquisition of apples through the NAFED agency in 5 acquisition centers in Kashmir has been expanded this year. It is really an excellent step taken by the central government, ”said the director of the horticulture department, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat.
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