Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmed Malik held Press conference at Fruit mandi Sopore. Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmed Malik held Press conference at Fruit mandi Sopore. Various issues pertaining to fruit mandi Sopore regarding Fertilizers, cardboards, and other vital issues raised in the meeting. On the occasion vice-President, General Secretary, Chairmans and other members of the association also present in the press conference. They appealed to the government that there are so many long pemding issues in the organisation and we have time and again requested the authoritues look into the matter. They appeal to the government to seriously look into this sector, as nearly 70–75% of people are directly dependent on it. At present, by the grace of God, the crop condition looks promising, and we are hopeful for a good yield this year. However, regarding pesticides and fertilizers, the Enforcement Department must take strict action. Although quality products have been available in recent years, any substandard or fake pesticides and fertilizers in the market must be strictly dealt with. We also appeal to growers to purchase only from registered dealers, take proper bills, and confirm rates to avoid future losses. At the same time, the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments must visit orchards and guide farmers on proper usage to prevent mistakes. With the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, we warmly welcome all pilgrims. However, the government must ensure that during this period, especially when the early fruit season begins in North Kashmir, the National Highway should not face unnecessary closures, as it directly affects the horticulture sector. We strongly urge that the use of silicate cardboard boxes must be completely stopped, as they damage the quality of apples. Our apples are supplied across India, so maintaining quality is extremely important. Both traders and growers must avoid using such packaging. We have already held meetings with bank officials and carton manufacturers regarding standard box sizes, and we urge everyone to follow these standards. Since we are facing increasing competition from international markets, proper weight and packaging directly affect pricing. We request the government to immediately implement the Crop Insurance Scheme, so that growers can be compensated in case of hailstorms or other natural disasters. Similarly, the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) must also be implemented to manage lower-grade produce and stabilize market prices. Another major issue is the toll tax (chungi), which is an unnecessary burden on this sector. Charging taxes on locally transported produce is unfair and must be completely abolished. Regarding transportation, the National Highway should remain two-way, not one-way. One-way traffic causes delays, affects supply, and ultimately lowers market prices. Lastly, we appeal to the government to waive KCC (Kisan Credit Card) loans, as growers are already under financial stress. In many states, such relief is provided, and similar support should be extended here as well.

Mudasir Ahmad Malla

Photographer खोई, बारामूला, जम्मू और कश्मीर•

4 hrs ago

Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmed Malik held Press conference at Fruit mandi Sopore. Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmed Malik held Press conference at Fruit mandi Sopore. Various issues pertaining to fruit mandi Sopore regarding Fertilizers, cardboards, and other vital issues raised in the meeting. On the occasion vice-President, General Secretary, Chairmans and other members of the association also present in the press conference. They appealed to the government that there are so many long pemding issues in the organisation and we have time and again requested the authoritues look into the matter. They appeal to the government to seriously look into this sector, as nearly 70–75% of people are directly dependent on it. At present, by the grace of God, the crop condition looks promising, and we are hopeful for a good yield this year. However, regarding pesticides and fertilizers, the Enforcement Department must take strict action. Although quality products have been available in recent years, any substandard or fake pesticides and fertilizers in the market must be strictly dealt with. We also appeal to growers to purchase only from registered dealers, take proper bills, and confirm rates to avoid future losses. At the same time, the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments must visit orchards and guide farmers on proper usage to prevent mistakes. With the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, we warmly welcome all pilgrims. However, the government must ensure that during this period, especially when the early fruit season begins in North Kashmir, the National Highway should not face unnecessary closures, as it directly affects the horticulture sector. We strongly urge that the use of silicate cardboard boxes must be completely stopped, as they damage the quality of apples. Our apples are supplied across India, so maintaining quality is extremely important. Both traders and growers must avoid using such packaging. We have already held meetings with bank officials and carton manufacturers regarding standard box sizes, and we urge everyone to follow these standards. Since we are facing increasing competition from international markets, proper weight and packaging directly affect pricing. We request the government to immediately implement the Crop Insurance Scheme, so that growers can be compensated in case of hailstorms or other natural disasters. Similarly, the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) must also be implemented to manage lower-grade produce and stabilize market prices. Another major issue is the toll tax (chungi), which is an unnecessary burden on this sector. Charging taxes on locally transported produce is unfair and must be completely abolished. Regarding transportation, the National Highway should remain two-way, not one-way. One-way traffic causes delays, affects supply, and ultimately lowers market prices. Lastly, we appeal to the government to waive KCC (Kisan Credit Card) loans, as growers are already under financial stress. In many states, such relief is provided, and similar support should be extended here as well.