Kashmir fruit growers seek comprehensive package for Horticulture in Budget
Srinagar, Jan 29: Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, Srinagar, has put forth an array of proposals aimed at revitalising and safeguarding the horticulture industry of Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming fiscal year’s Union budget.
This industry, pivotal to the region’s economy, supports more than 700,000 families, directly or indirectly, and is a cornerstone of the local agricultural landscape.
The Union’s demands, articulated through a letter to the budgetary authorities, begin with the urgent need for a Crop Insurance Scheme tailored for horticulture. This scheme, while promised in the past, has yet to see the light of day. Its implementation would provide a safety net for growers against the financial devastation often wrought by natural calamities like floods, hailstorms, or unexpected weather changes.
Additionally, the Union has highlighted the necessity to reintroduce the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). This initiative had previously provided a buffer against losses by purchasing Grade C apples, which are of lower market value due to size or damage, at government-fixed rates. The absence of this scheme has left many growers at a financial disadvantage, especially during bumper harvests when market prices plummet.
A significant proposal includes the creation of a dedicated Horticulture Estate. Modelled after industrial estates, this would centralize the infrastructure needed for post-harvest management, including Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, canning, and juice production facilities, thereby enhancing the value chain of fruit production in the region.
The Union also addresses the cost implications of current taxation policies by pushing for GST exemptions or reductions on critical materials like cardboard boxes, plastic trays, and agricultural chemicals. The high cost of these essentials currently increases the overall production cost, squeezing profit margins for small-scale growers.
In an effort to modernise practices, the Union seeks recognition of tree spray oil as an agricultural product, which would simplify its procurement and usage. They also propose the establishment of advanced testing laboratories across districts to keep pace with new horticultural technologies and ensure product safety and efficacy.
Orchard rejuvenation is another focal point, with a call for budgetary support to make high-density planting materials accessible, aiming to replace or upgrade aging or damaged orchards. Similarly, the Union requests a specific disaster relief fund for horticulture to provide prompt assistance when natural calamities strike.
Addressing the economic burdens faced by many growers, there’s a plea for waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, acknowledging the hardships from past events like the 2014 floods, recent droughts, and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, the Union aims to diversify the horticultural landscape by promoting the cultivation of kiwi, grapes, and pomegranate, underlining the need for budgetary provisions to support these emerging sectors which could offer new income streams for local farmers.