SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association has urged the government to revamp market infrastructure and introduce a price stabilisation mechanism to protect fruit and vegetable growers from financial losses caused by fluctuating rates and inadequate storage facilities.
During a pre-budget consultation with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat, the association’s delegation, led by its President Bashir Ahmad Basheer, highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the horticulture and vegetable sectors. They stressed that despite being a backbone of Kashmir’s economy, the sector continues to suffer due to lack of proper cold storage chains, erratic transportation, and price manipulation by middlemen.
The traders demanded the establishment of a dedicated price stabilisation fund to cushion farmers against abrupt price crashes. They argued that apple growers, in particular, have faced heavy losses in recent years due to a combination of falling market prices, increased production costs, and import of cheaper apples from outside the country, which has destabilised local markets. They called for immediate government intervention to regulate imports and ensure that local produce is not pushed out of competition.
The delegation also raised concerns about the lack of sufficient cold storage facilities, which forces growers to sell their produce at distress rates. They demanded that the government create more storage units with subsidies for private players willing to invest in the sector. In addition, they urged the authorities to improve the marketing network by upgrading mandis, expanding export avenues, and streamlining the supply chain to eliminate middlemen who exploit growers.
Transportation bottlenecks were another key issue raised by the association. The delegation complained that fruit-laden trucks face unnecessary delays on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, leading to huge losses due to spoilage. They urged the government to ensure hassle-free movement of perishable goods and provide special transit corridors for the sector.
The traders also called for a reduction in GST on packaging materials and pesticides, arguing that high taxation has increased input costs for growers, making Kashmiri apples and vegetables less competitive in national and international markets. They urged the government to provide subsidies for packaging materials to improve product quality and branding.
The delegation further demanded that horticulture insurance schemes be made more accessible, as many farmers have struggled to claim compensation for damages caused by weather conditions. They urged the government to introduce a transparent insurance framework that guarantees timely financial relief in case of crop losses.
The association expressed concern over the impact of climate change on production and called for research-based solutions to mitigate risks. They urged the government to invest in climate-resilient farming techniques, including new disease-resistant apple varieties and modern irrigation systems.
The traders concluded by emphasising that the government must prioritise the fruit and vegetable sector in the upcoming budget to ensure its long-term sustainability. They expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed to strengthen Kashmir’s position as a major contributor to India’s horticulture industry.
