Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) District Coordinator Baramulla, Altaf Malik, on Monday reiterated that the apple industry is the backbone and lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, with nearly 70 per cent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on this vital sector.
In a statement issued to the press, Malik said the fruit industry has consistently sustained the economy and livelihoods of the people of Kashmir, even during periods of turmoil. However, he expressed concern over what he termed the present government’s negligence and apathetic approach, which, according to him, has pushed the sector into a downward spiral.
Highlighting the heavy losses suffered by fruit growers due to National Highway closures and natural calamities last year, Malik urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to take immediate steps to promote and upgrade the horticulture sector. He demanded waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for affected fruit growers and called for a complete ban on duplicate pesticides and fertilisers, particularly colouring chemicals (Rang Dawa).
Malik further stressed that the present government must adopt the vision of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and reintroduce the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) along with a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for the horticulture sector, stating that these measures have been long-pending demands of fruit growers in the Valley.
