Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 14: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers’ Union met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today and submitted a memorandum outlining key demands for the Horticulture sector.
The delegation, led by Union Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer and comprising representatives from various fruit associations, urged the implementation of a long-pending Crop Insurance Scheme for the Horticulture sector to protect fruit growers from natural disasters, with a dedicated budget allocation in 2025-26.
They also called for the reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to help growers manage surplus “Grade C” apples, ensuring fair prices and stability.
Another major demand was the establishment of a dedicated Horticulture estate, similar to industrial estates, with cold storage facilities, canning factories, and juice plants under a single-window system.
The delegation also sought the creation of CA-Stores on a society basis with subsidies to support small growers.
Additionally, they requested a reduction or exemption of GST on essential packaging materials such as cardboard boxes and plastic trays, as well as on insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers, to lower production costs.
The growers expressed concern over soaring pesticide and fertilizer prices and urged the government to allocate budgetary support to address the issue.
They also requested that tree spray oil be classified as an agricultural product for tax benefits.
To ensure fruit quality and safety, the delegation demanded the establishment of well-equipped testing laboratories in all districts of J&K.
In an effort to rejuvenate damaged orchards, they sought provisions for high-density plant material.
The memorandum also called for a separate budget allocation for disaster relief funds to assist growers affected by natural calamities.
The growers emphasized the need for the urgent implementation of the recently announced NPA relief scheme for defaulters, which has yet to take effect.
They further requested a waiver of KCC loans for small fruit growers severely impacted by past disasters and economic hardships.
To promote diversification in horticulture, the delegation suggested funding for the development of Kiwi, Grape, and Pomegranate orchards in J&K.
They also stressed the need to improve irrigation facilities in orchard regions where water scarcity affects fruit quality.
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