Srinagar Feb 01:(KNS) Peoples Conference (PC) senior vice president and former Abdul Gani Vakil lambasted the central government for again ignoring the fruit industry in the new budget. It is unfortunate Central Government is failing to understand fuit industry is the backbone of the economy of the Kashmir valley, but nothing has been said or done to promote and strengthen the industry. The State produces more than 30,000 metric tons apple, only 15,000 metric ton has a market and the other 15,000 metric tons, which is B & C grade has no place in the market and gets wasted as government has no plan to utilise the same and the government has not offered any concessions to the fruit industry which has been badly hit due to Covid 19, unrest, weather vagaries and the illegal import of iranian apples. Saying that government was expected to announce a waiver on the KCC loans of the fruit growers but unfortunately government has shown no concerns for the revival of this ailing Industry. Fruit growers in Kashmir were facing acute hardships as the state administration had sidelined their demands. "Although after the abrogation of Article 370, the Government of India made big promises that apple industry in Kashmir will be boosted through special packages but it has remained restricted to statements only," Vakil said in the statement.

Vakil stressed upon the central government to come up with a comprehensive economic package and compensation to the orchardists and farmers so that livelihood of thousands of people could be saved and this ailing industry can be revived. (KNS)