Srinagar, Sep 17 (KNS) : Dismayed over the frequent halt of fruit trucks on National Highway, Former Horticulture minister and Senior leader of People's Conference, Syed Basharat Bukhari has urged government to devise a foolproof mechanism for transportation of apple to outside state markets.
In a statement, the former Horticulture Minister said that holding back the perishable fruit like apple does not only risk a huge loss to growers but can lead to a huge imbalance between demand and supply in various markets of the country.
According to the statement, Mr. Bukhari has taken up matter at various levels, including Principal Secretary Agriculture, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing besides speaking to various concerned stakeholders in Delhi, Mumbai and other major fruit Mandis.
Mr. Bukhari said that during his conversation with officers he was told that they have already taken cognisance but he requested them to push it more.
He said people outside the valley were habitual of taking apples for health benefits and its shortfall in markets was bound to trigger the health issues also. He urged the government to ensure that the passage of apple trucks on the highway is ensured without any hindrance.(KNS)