An average number of 400- 500 trucks, are moving out of Kashmir valley to markets outside the state to maintain the supply chain.
While Kashmir remained locked down since August 5, in the aftermath of Abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, more than 12,000 trucks ferried fresh crop of apples to markets outside Kashmir valley to ensure apple lovers were not deprived of their daily intake to stay ‘healthy’.
Ironically, during the same time propagandists active in Kashmir valley remained busy shouting from their rooftops that the apple farmers have been deprived of opportunities to sell their annual produce and earn their livelihood.
All categories of apples i.e. A, B and C will be procured from all the apple-producing districts in J&K as well as designated mandis (wholesale markets) in Sopore, Shopian and Srinagar.
According to official sources, “since August 5 more than 12,000 truckloads of apple boxes have been transported outside Kashmir valley by the Kashmir based traders“.
On average, 500-600 boxes of apples are packed inside one truck.
Official sources in Srinagar claimed, “the main markets of Shopian, Sopore, Anantnag and Srinagar continue to witness shut down on account of threats issued by different terror outfits”.
They had even warned apple growers against plucking their crop in a bid to enforce a strict civil curfew. They also carried out attacks on apple growers and traders in Shopian to spread a reign of terror in the area. After these isolated incidents majority of apple growers have not been able to visit these markets for fear of being tracked down by the terrorists.
At the same time, a small group of traders have not stopped trading and operating outside these established markets to maintain the supply chain during the peak season.
According to official records, an average number of 400- 500 trucks, are moving out of Kashmir valley to markets outside the state to maintain the supply chain.
Compared to previous years, less number of trucks are moving out of Kashmir on a daily basis. In routine, at least 800-1000 trucks used to ferry fresh supply of apple boxes during peak season in the past.
Keeping in view the ground realities in mind, the Union government too stepped in this year to help apple growers get decent price for their cash crop.
As part of its long-term strategy, the Centre government had decided to procure apples from farmers through the Government-run National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
Over 3000 farmers were enrolled across Kashmir valley under the scheme. To encourage more farmers to join the scheme the government is now proposing to increase the prices for apples, official sources said.
“We are proposing a hike in the prices of apples, that, we hope will encourage more farmers to come forward,” a senior government official said.
The objective of the NAFED is to promote co-operative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit farmers. The procurement will be made directly from genuine apple growers and the State administration will ensure direct payment in bank accounts of apple growers through DBT.
All categories of apples i.e. A, B and C will be procured from all the apple-producing districts in J&K as well as designated mandis (wholesale markets) in Sopore, Shopian and Srinagar.
Apples are cultivated on 3.87 lakh hectares in Kashmir.
It fetches Rs 8,000 crore annually and supports seven lakh families.
Kashmir contributes 75 per cent of the apples produced in India.
According to official sources, compared to previous years Kashmir valley has produced more apples this year.
On an average Kashmir produces 22 metric ton of apple annually. This year the yield of apple crop was 10 per cent more than normal.
Note:
1. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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RSS founders were great admirer of Hitler and Mussolini. Goebeles and his tactics we're known to them as well. Blatant lies, half truths and misrepresentation are just the tools of daily trade. Keep repeating a lie 1000 times, it will become gospel truth. Having a pathological lier as the PM of a country is no accident. It's the culmination of a process undertaken almost ninety years ago.