Srinagar December 05 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (PC) Senior Vice President and former minister, Abdul Gani Vakil today highlighted the concerning neglect faced by the fruit industry in Kashmir.
While addressing the workers from Sopore and Rafiabad, including Villages Hathlangoo , Warpora , Sangrama , Janwari , Tujar Sharief and Seerghat. Vakil expressed deep dismay at the lack of attention and support from the present administration, particularly the central government. He also underscored the dire need for immediate intervention to rescue the ailing fruit industry.
Vakil further emphasized the failure of the government to provide essential technological infrastructure such as well-equipped cold storage facilities and juice factories to bolster the growth and development of the fruit industry. He voiced strong objection to the influx of foreign apples, especially from Iran and America, flooding the market and severely impacting the local market for Kashmiri apples, leading to apprehension among apple growers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the plight of fruit growers who have suffered immensely due to climatic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and frequent closures of the National Highway, Vakil stressed the urgency for governmental support. He called for a special economic package to revive the industry, advocating for the waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans that have rendered the lives of fruit growers arduous and burdensome.
Additionally, Vakil raised concerns about exorbitant transportation charges, placing immense strain on fruit growers and urged the government to address this pressing issue. He appealed to both the central and state governments to announce an immediate special economic package and prioritize the waiver of KCC loans, essential steps that would undoubtedly rejuvenate and uplift the morale of fruit growers facing unprecedented challenges.
Vakil was accompanied by Khizar Mohammad Dar, YJKPC President Rafiabad Tariq Ahmed Khan, Ghulam Hassan War, Fayaz Ahmed Naikoo, Abdul Rashid Mir, and various other Sarpanches and workers.(KNS)