MIS extension in J&K better late than never: Kisan Tehreek

Demands hassle free movement of fruit laden trucks on NHW

SRINAGAR: Jammu & Kashmir Kisan Tehreek (JKKT) General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Malik on Thursday said that approval for extension of the Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of apple fruit in Jammu and Kashmir for 2020-21 is “better late than never.”

“This year maximum crop from the apple trees has resulted in the accumulation of C-grade fruit with the result; the fruit growers are economically devastated. Under such circumstances, the J&K administration should make arrangements to purchase the “C” Grade fruit through Market Intervention Scheme on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh. This “C” Grade fruit should be procured @ Rs 20 per kg”, he said.

Kissan Tehreek further said that survival of a number of people associated with the horticulture sector is at stake. People associated with horticulture constitute a considerable percentage of total employment in the region. It is imperative upon the administration to make preparations for smooth transportation of apples early so that growers and traders don’t have to face a 2019 like situation.

“The real issue which farmers are facing since long is fair price for their produce by ensuring a minimum support price for all crops. This legitimate demand despite repeated promises/assurances has not been conceded till date”, he further added.

“The horticulture sector in Kashmir faced economic consequences due to the lockdown imposed after the Centre abrogated Article 370 last August. And then unseasonal snowfall on November 7 last year wreaked havoc followed by another lockdown in March after Covid19 pandemic”, he opined.

The halting of fruit trucks on the highway creates a crisis-like situation as delays cause huge losses to the fruit. J&K administration must not only ensure smooth flow of fruit laden trucks on Srinagar-Jammu national highway but also control the transportation charges, Mr Ghulam Nabi further said.