SRINAGAR: Director-General Horticulture Kashmir has written to Principal Secretary to Government, Horticulture Department, to raise the issue of “illegal” import of Iranian apple with LG administration and government of India for necessary action.
Quoting DG Horticulture Kashmir news agency KNS reported that as of now more than 16 lac MT Kashmiri apple have been exported and sold and around 1.87 lac MT area in CA stores.
He said that 8 per cent of apple has been sold in Jammu and Kashmir local market, which is about 1 to 1.50 lac MTs.
”Besides, CA stores, the total apple left as of now in Kashmir would be around 1 lac MTs, therefore, the Iranian apple is not a threat.” The maximum production has been sold.
He, however, said that keeping the demand of fruit growers in mind, he has written to Principal Secretary to government, Horticulture Department, Naveen Choudhary to raise the issue with the central government for appropriate and necessary action.
DG also praised apple growers, orchardists, and his officials for ensuring an increase in annual apple production.
He said that this year there was around 25 to 30 per cent increase in apple production as compared to last year.