SRINAGAR, Sept 16: CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M. Y. Tarigami today urged the Centre to extend urgent relief to fruit growers who have suffered massive losses due to the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and adverse weather conditions.
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Apple Industry Facing Severe Crisis
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Tarigami said the highway blockade has created a crisis for apple growers and traders, particularly during the critical harvest season.
“The prolonged closure of the highway has hit hard farmers and fruit growers. The Centre should take urgent steps to ensure apple-laden trucks reach markets without delay,” he stressed.
Floods & Weather Worsen Situation
Tarigami noted that September floods and continuous rains have worsened the crisis by damaging properties, standing crops, and causing premature leaf and fruit fall. He criticized Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) for failing to provide timely guidance to farmers on preventive measures.
Policy Concerns Raised
He further highlighted that recommendations of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission on distressed agriculture remain largely unimplemented. Despite being highly vulnerable, apple has not been included under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework, he said.
“Since 2016, big insurance companies like Reliance, IFFCO, Bajaj Finance, and Agriculture Insurance Company have collected hundreds of crores in premium under PM Fasal Bima Yojna. Yet, apple crops remain uncovered under this scheme,” Tarigami alleged.
Relief Measures Demanded
Tarigami called for the reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to procure rotten apples for juice and jam production, and demanded that the Centre announce comprehensive relief for flood victims and apple growers suffering due to weather and highway disruption.
Source: Agencies
Labels: Politics, Agriculture, Fruit Industry
Tags: #Tarigami #AppleGrowers #SrinagarJammuHighway #FruitIndustry #FloodRelief
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