Srinagar September 17 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum has asked the govt and other stakeholders of fruit industry to look into the reasons for the continued setback of fruit industry with regard to its demand and price in the market.
In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) on Saturday Chairman Society Abdul Qayoom Wani said that continued least demand for Kashmir fruit particularly the apple in the peak season reaching now was not a good sign for the industry which remains the backbone of economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Society has urged upon the govt and other stakeholders comprising SKUAST, unions of Fruit growers, traders, transporters and others to ponder on the grim issue well in time before the industry collapses.
JKCSF has asked the stakeholders to look into the causes that why Kashmiri fruits were lagging behind in international market for quality and what were the reasons in reality.
Forum has asked the market experts to go for a prompt and indepth reaserch for the reasons that why kashmir fruits apple, walnuts and almond demand decreased from the markets and the prices also came down. Why the raw material cost like apple boxes got hiked and the apple itself fell low.
JKCSF has demanded permanent ban on the sale of coloring agents/sprays of fruits, giving the reason that it(colouring) destroys the image of the industry and affects the reputation of the fruit growers. Forum has also demanded for the rebate on the tax/GST on Kashmir fruit particularly apples for export.
Forum has asked people to set the trend of almonds and walnuts for gifts besides other dry fruits.(KNS)