J&K Guv warns those threatening apple farmers

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik issued a warning to those threatening apple farmers in Kashmir. He was speaking at the launch of Market intervention target scheme for apple farmers in Srinagar. The scheme is expected to cover procurement of apples from farmers by a nodal procurement agency from the government of India or NAFED on remunerative prices.

The Governor said, “Protection and security will be given to farmers, and those who are threatening the farmers will be punished.”

Kashmir is second largest apple production centre of the world. About 75 per cent of apples in the country are produced in J&K.

The governor asserted that the new mechanism will give a major boost to revenues of apple farmers of Kashmir.

Mr Satya Pal said, “C grade apples constitute 40 per cent of the total production. Each kilo of apple fetches Rs 3 to Rs 7 per kg presently. However, after the implementation of the scheme prices will be doubled and tripled.”