Sopore, Apr 14 (KNS): The president of Asia's second-largest fruit mandi in north Kashmir's Sopore on Tuesday demanded government compensation for horticultural losses due to floods, alleging that apple growers have not received any relief since the 2014 deluge.
Fayaz Ahmad Malik (Kakaji) told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the fruit industry has been hit by successive natural and economic shocks without any government support. "Since 2014, 2016, 2018, and after COVID, the fruit industry has not received any compensation. Seventy to seventy-five percent of people are associated with this sector. The government must look at this," he said.
Malik also called for strict action against the sale of unauthorised pesticides and fertilisers. Taking note of the Enforcement Department of the Pest and Fertilizer Department, he said that while product quality had improved over the last three to four years, officials must now prosecute violators. He urged growers to purchase only from registered dealers and demanded that the department conduct orchard inspections during spraying.
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Regarding the Shri Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin in July, President Malik said the horticulture sector welcomes pilgrims but flagged concerns over its overlap with the early apple varieties season. "The government must ensure that the early varieties season does not stop at any place on a national level," he said.
Malik also warned against the use of silicate cardboard for apple packaging, saying it damages the fruit. "India is a big country, and our apple market goes to every corner. Silicate cardboard should not be used in any way," he said, appealing to growers and traders to avoid the material.
On packaging standards, he said a meeting was held with manufacturers and insisted that prescribed sizes be followed in full. "Because it is our competition," he added. (KNS)