TECHNOLOGY MISSION FOR HORTICULTURAL CROPS DEMANDED
J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah
today met Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ajit Singh and demanded
that a technology mission for horticultural crops should be started
in his state. He told Shri Ajit Singh that farmers in his state
mainly depend on fruit farming and are not able to avail benefits
under the National Insurance Scheme. The Chief Minister said that
in view of the drought conditions in the state, the National Insurance
Scheme should cover the perennial horticultural crops such as
fresh and dry fruits. He was informed that National Agricultural
Scheme covers all the food crops, oilseeds and annual commercial/horticultural
crops in respect of which past yield data is available for adequate
number of years. Among the annual commercial/horticultural crops
eleven crops, viz, Sugarcane, Potato. Cotton, Ginger , Onion,
Turmeric, Chillies, Jute, Tapioca, annual Banana and Pine apple
have already been covered under the scheme. However, Mr. Abdullah
was informed, there is a proposal to cover selected perennial
crops such as Apple, Orange, Mango etc. in selected districts
on experimental basis. The Chief Minister was informed that the
centre has asked for some additional information to further process
the proposal of J&K government regarding market intervention
in case of low grade apple during the current year from August
to December.
Mr Abdullah told Shri Ajit singh
that the states’ crop growers are being exploited by middle men/commssion
agents in the regulated markets of the country including the Azadpur
Fruit Market of Delhi. He also complained that the byelaws of
these markets were not implemented and notification issued by
NCT of Delhi abolishing charging of any commission from sellers/growers
has not been implemented. Shri Ajit Singh advised that since it
is matter between two states, it should be taken up directly by
the J&K Government with the Delhi Government.
Mr Abdullah also wanted the centre
to help his state under the On-farm Water Management Scheme. Besides,
he said that a fruit processing and canning plant and a cold storage
facility would go a long way in helping the fruit growers of Leh
area. Shri Ajit Singh assured him that the centre will do its
best to help the farmers of the state.
