J&K: 6 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit transported out of the state

According to the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government’s Department of Information and Public Relations, approximately 6 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit has been transported out of the state in three months. The state is famous for its production of fresh fruits, especially apples which generate a lot of employment in the Kashmir valley. The apple crop is grown in districts like Shopian, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Ganderbal. The department stated that Principal Secretary Asgar Samoon had instructed the truck drivers to adhere to the fixed freight rate prescribed by the government. This is yet another effort to restore normalcy in the region after the revocation of special status. 

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Procurement of apples

A few days ago, government officials indicated that the J&K administration had procured around 1.34 lakh boxes of people from fruit growers in south Kashmir under the Marketing Intervention Scheme (MIS). The Anantnag region was the main beneficiary of this initiative. Rs.2.5 crore has been paid to the fruit growers by the Department of Horticulture. This scheme is aimed at providing remunerative prices to the farmers whenever there is a bumper crop.  

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Export to West Asia

Due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, apples from Kashmir will be exported to West Asian countries. The Lulu group which runs more than 180 hypermarkets and shopping malls across West Asia, recently shipped 200 tonnes of three varieties of apples. This initiative materialised during PM Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, where prominent businessman and chairman of the Lulu group showcased his willingness to procure Kashmiri produce and set up a logistics hub in Srinagar.  

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(With ANI inputs)