SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the inclusion of specific provisions in the 2025-26 budget to support the horticulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The union, which represents fruit growers’ associations across the Valley, has emphasised the industry’s vital role in the region’s economy, with over 700,000 families directly or indirectly dependent on it.
In its submission, the union has urged the government to implement a crop insurance scheme for horticulture, similar to the one available for the agricultural sector. Although such a scheme had been announced in the past, it has yet to be implemented, leaving fruit growers vulnerable to losses caused by natural disasters. The union has stressed that the inclusion of budgeting provisions for this scheme in the upcoming budget would provide much-needed relief to growers, particularly during times of extreme weather conditions.
Another significant demand put forth by the union is the reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). The union pointed out that nearly 40 per cent of the annual apple harvest consists of “Grade C” and fallen apples, which often result in financial losses for growers. In the past, the government had introduced the MIS, under which the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department procured these lower-grade apples at fixed rates, helping farmers mitigate their losses. However, the scheme was discontinued several years ago. The union has requested its reinstatement, arguing that it would provide essential financial stability to fruit growers.
The union has also proposed the establishment of a dedicated horticulture estate on the lines of the existing industrial estates in Jammu and Kashmir. Such an estate would provide modern facilities, including Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, canning factories, juice plants, and other allied units, under a single-window system for the benefit of fruit growers and dealers. The union has requested the allocation of funds in the upcoming budget to facilitate the development of this infrastructure.
Concerns over the high cost of packaging and agricultural inputs have also been raised. The union has requested the government to either exempt or reduce the 12 per cent GST currently imposed on essential items such as cardboard cartons, plastic trays, baskets, waste paper, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers. It has been argued that the rising costs of these materials have significantly increased the production expenses for fruit growers, making it difficult for them to remain competitive.
In addition to these demands, the union has called for the recognition of tree spray oil as an agricultural product, the establishment of testing laboratories in every district of the Valley, and the allocation of funds for the rejuvenation of damaged orchards. The appeal also includes a request for a separate budgetary provision for financial assistance in the event of natural calamities, given the frequent adverse weather conditions affecting fruit production in the region.
Another major demand is the exemption of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans taken by small-scale fruit growers. The union has stated that many of these growers have been unable to repay their loans due to factors such as political unrest, the devastating floods of 2014, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, and unseasonal snowfall accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds. It has urged the government to waive off these loans, given the financial distress faced by growers over the years.
Lastly, the union has called for the development of kiwi, grape, and pomegranate orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that there is currently a shortage of these fruits in the region. It has requested the government to allocate funds in the budget to promote their cultivation and ensure the diversification of horticulture in the Valley.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has expressed hope that the government will take these demands into serious consideration while framing the budget for 2025-26, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the horticulture sector, which remains a key pillar of the region’s economy. -(KL)
