Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said the Union Cabinet’s approval for the extension of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of apples in J&K for the year 2020-21 will ensure optimum prices to the apple farmers and give necessary fillip to the UT’s economy.
“The scheme is a great relief for apple growers. It will provide a comprehensive insurance cover against any obstacle thus helping in stabilising the income of the apple farmers. It will also address all issues related to marketing and transportation, in addition, to provide optimum returns to apple growers” the LG said in a statement here.
The Lt Governor also observed that the government is committed to take forward the horticulture sector as it will contribute to the betterment of livelihood of apple growers.
“Since 12 LMT of apples can be procured under this scheme, besides ensuring profitability, it will also create rural employment through supplementary services such as packaging, transportation, etc.,” he added.
The scheme was launched for the first time in the history of J&K during September-2019. It was widely appreciated by the growers across J&K. The scheme stabilised the prices of the apple in the market and ensured to contain the distress sales.
Under the scheme, apple will be procured by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) directly from the growers/aggregators at optimum prices at 5 designated Collection Centres (Fruit & Vegetable Mandies) in Sopore (Baramulla), Parimpora (Srinagar), Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag. The payment will be directly credited into the bank accounts of the growers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The scheme, among other, will address all issues including marketing & grading of apples, procurement and storage. The scheme has been launched after taking into consideration the demands of Apple growers.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also allowed NAFED to utilize Government Guarantee of Rs. 2,500 Crore for this operation. The losses, if any, to be incurred in this operation will be shared between the Central Government and UT administration of J&K on 50:50 basis.
Necessary infrastructure/facilities have been created at the designated Collection Centres for smooth operationalization of the scheme. Senior-level functionaries from Horticulture Department will be monitoring and supervising the procurement at the Mandis. Representatives from NAFED and National Horticulture Board will be associated with the procurement and other processes along with staff drawn from the Horticulture/Agriculture Department.
-ARK
