Srinagar, Nov 17: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar Sunday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue of lifting the import duty on apples from Iran with the Central Government.
Lifting of import duty on apples has been causing significant losses to farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Farmers in Kashmir have repeatedly reported a drop in apple prices due to reduced import duties on apples from other countries, particularly Iran.
The Minister stated that the issue involves diplomatic and trade relations between India and Iran.
“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised this matter with the Union Finance Minister. Once we receive a response, we will share the details with the media,” Dar stated while addressing reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar.
The Minister was the chief guest at a felicitation ceremony for the new office bearers of the Jammu and Kashmir Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), including its President, Bashir Ahmad Naik.
Dar highlighted the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led government to promoting the horticulture sector, which is a vital component of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, employing 70-80% of the population and contributing significantly to the region’s GDP.
He said that the government is focused on empowering growers through various initiatives, such as expanding the area under horticulture cultivation, rejuvenating old orchards, increasing productivity and yield, implementing plant protection measures, safeguarding crops from diseases and pests, strengthening irrigation infrastructure, and introducing farm mechanization and advanced technologies.
Addressing key challenges in the sector, the Minister discussed the importance of market access, transportation, import regulations, post-harvest management, quality crop distribution, availability of quality pesticides, and the preservation of traditional farming practices. He assured that all concerns related to the horticulture sector are being addressed in a phased manner.
The Minister expressed confidence that these efforts would reinforce Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality horticultural products, such as apples, walnuts, and other fruits. By supporting the horticulture sector, the government aims to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to the region’s economic growth, he said.
Dar also stressed the importance of innovation and introducing new technologies and schemes to benefit progressive farmers and boost production. He underlined the sector’s potential for employment generation and sustainable economic growth, adding that stakeholders would be actively involved in decision-making processes to ensure collective progress.
The Minister congratulated the new office bearers of JKPICCA, including President Bashir Ahmad Naik, and encouraged them to make the association more vibrant for progressive farming and improved economic prospects.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, speaking as the guest of honor, emphasized the need for effective post-harvest management and seamless functioning of cold chain storage systems to support the horticulture sector.
The event was attended by MLAs from various constituencies, including Farooq Ahmad Shah (Gulmarg), Riyaz Ahmad Bedar (Pattan), Gh. Mohideen (Rajpora), and Showkat Ahmad Ganai (Wachi).
JKPICCA President Bashir Ahmad Naik and Fayaz Ahmad, President of Sopore Fruit Mandi, also addressed the gathering.
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