Srinagar Sept 24 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Saturday said the apathetic attitude of the government towards the fruit industry is taking a heavy toll on Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

This was said by Party's Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani in a statement following a meeting of a delegation of fruit growers who called on him earlier today. They discussed issues ranging from hassle free transport of fruit, falling rates due to flooding of imported apples. 

The visiting delegation said that the frequent halting of the fruit laden trucks on NH-44 is causing spoilage to the annual farm and horticultural produce from Kashmir much before it reaches different Mandis in various parts of the country.

Sharing their concerns about the issue of falling rates of apples, the visiting delegation said that the primary reason behind the fall of rates was the import of Turkish apples into the Indian market. “We had already cautioned the government against the impending disaster to the centuries-old apple industry in Kashmir and sought stopping illegal entry of Iranian apples into the Indian markets. These Turkish and Iranian apples come through Afghanistan. Being a SAFTA member, India does not impose duty on certain imports. While Iran is not part of SAFTA, apples from that country reach India via Afghanistan, bypassing import . This mass dumping of Iranian and Turkish apples must be checked by slashing excise duties, otherwise it will adversely impact the fruit industry of Kashmir by eating out their share in the market.”

Nasir assured the delegation that JKNC will raise the issues at all appropriate forums.(KNS)