Intensifying concerns over the mounting challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union has submitted a detailed memorandum to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, calling for immediate and wide-ranging policy interventions to safeguard the Valley’s fruit economy.
The memorandum follows deliberations held during the Minister’s earlier visit to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, where growers had raised several pressing issues affecting the sector. Reiterating those concerns, the Union has now sought time-bound action on multiple fronts.
Quoting the Chairman of the Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, the memorandum underscores the urgency of intervention. “Horticulture is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and more than seven lakh families are directly or indirectly dependent on it. The livelihood, education of children, medical care, and other domestic needs of growers are entirely linked to apple cultivation,” Basheer stated.
On a disease-free plantation, Basheer said, “During the SKAUST convocation, the Hon’ble Minister had assured that all measures are being considered for a disease-free plantation in Jammu and Kashmir. We request that the present status of this critical initiative be shared, as plant health is central to improving both productivity and quality.”
Highlighting the absence of institutional market support, he added, “More than 40 percent of the apple crop each season falls under Grade C or consists of fallen fruit, pushing growers towards losses. The earlier Market Intervention Scheme had provided much-needed relief, and its reintroduction is essential for marginal fruit growers.”
On crop insurance, Basheer noted, “Although a crop insurance scheme has been announced, it has not been implemented so far. Its execution will prove a lifeline for growers, especially during natural disasters, which frequently impact the Valley.”
Referring to infrastructure gaps, he said, “Land has already been acquired for the Clean Plant Programme at Wadoora, Sopore. We urge the government to allocate financial resources and make the project operational at the earliest.”
He further emphasised the need for a Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramulla, stating that such institutions are vital for providing scientific training and bridging the gap between research and field-level practices.
On post-harvest management, Basheer remarked, “There is an urgent need to establish a separate horticulture estate on the pattern of industrial estates, along with at least 200 Controlled Atmosphere cold storage units across North and South Kashmir. The current infrastructure is insufficient and leads to distress sales and post-harvest losses.”
Expressing concern over rising input costs, he stated, “The prices of pesticides and fertilisers are increasing sharply, and the MRP printed on these products is often too high for marginal growers to afford. This needs immediate regulatory intervention. Tree spray oil should also be treated as an agricultural product to reduce cost burdens.”
On logistical challenges, Basheer said, “Perishable fruits such as cherry, plum, pear, and early apple varieties require urgent transportation. Fruit-laden trucks must be allowed priority movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway to ensure timely delivery and prevent losses.”
Addressing trade-related concerns, he noted, “The imposition of 120 percent tax by Bangladesh on American apple varieties is indirectly affecting growers of the Valley. At the same time, the reduction of import duty on American and European apples under Free Trade Agreements is harming domestic producers. We strongly urge the government to impose import duty above 100 percent to protect local growers.”
Basheer also stressed the need for long-term structural reforms, stating, “There is a strong case for establishing a dedicated horticulture university in North Kashmir, along with financial support for orchard rejuvenation through high-density plantations.” He further added that the discontinuation of the Top-Up Subsidy Scheme for CA storage in Pulwama and Shopian is “difficult to comprehend,” particularly given the suitability of apples from these regions for long-term storage and the rising production due to high-density plantations.
Reiterating the urgency, Basheer concluded, “All these issues require immediate attention and coordinated action. Without timely intervention, the horticulture sector—despite being the mainstay of the region’s economy—faces a serious risk of decline.”
