Sinha said that the move would ensure optimum prices to the Apple farmers and give necessary fillip to the economy. “The scheme is a great relief for apple growers. It will provide a comprehensive insurance cover against any obstacle thus helping in stabilizing the income of the apple farmers. It will also address all issues related to marketing and transportation in addition to provide optimum returns to apple growers,” said Sinha.
As per the scheme apple crop would be procured by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited, directly from the growers and aggregators at optimum prices at five designated collection centers in Sopore, Srinagar, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag. The payment will be directly credited into the back accounts of the growers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
The Union Cabinet, Chaired by the Prime Minister has also allowed NAFED to utilize government guarantee of Rs. 2,500 crore for this operation. The losses, if any, to be incurred in this operation will be shared between the central government and UT administration of J&K on equal basis.
“Necessary infrastructure has been created at the designated collection centres for smooth operationalization of the scheme. Senior level functionaries from the Horticulture Department will be monitoring and supervising the procurement at the fruit and vegetable mandis,” said Sinha.
The LG also observed that the government is committed to take forward the horticulture sector as it will contribute to the betterment of livelihood of apple growers. “Since 12 lakh metric ton of apples can be procured under this scheme, besides ensuring profitability, it will also create rural employment through supplementary services such as packaging, transportation etc,” said Sinha. The Scheme was launched for the first time in the history of J&K during September-2019.
