Srinagar, Oct 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has expressed deep concern over the extensive damage to the apple crop in specific areas of Shopian due to a severe hailstorm.
The President of JKPICCA, Mr. Ejaz Qureshi, has called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the situation. He has urged them to swiftly assess the extent of the damages incurred by the affected growers and provide them with appropriate compensation to alleviate their losses.
Mr. Qureshi has also advised growers not to bring hail-affected produce to Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities. He has encouraged them to exercise caution and only store apples that meet the necessary quality standards in CA storage facilities. This will help ensure that the stored apple crop remains of high quality and is ready for market distribution, he said.
In addition to requesting compensation for the affected growers, Mr. Qureshi has also requested the Horticulture Department to include the apple growers in the region under the Crop Insurance Scheme. This will be an essential step to safeguard the interests of the apple farming community against unforeseen natural disasters like the recent hailstorm.
JKPICCA has reiterated its commitment to the well-being of the local horticultural community and the vital apple industry in Kashmir. The efforts made by JKPICCA aim to ensure that the affected growers receive the necessary support and protection, not only in recovering from their losses but also in safeguarding their future crops from such adversities, the association said.
