Farmers in Kashmir have voiced concerns over the delayed and substandard delivery of high-density apple saplings from private entities. In response, the Horticulture Department will now independently source these plants, aiming to address supply issues highlighted by farmers. Director of Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, stated that moving forward, the department intends to import high-density fruit plants directly, including apple, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and cherry varieties.
The initiative follows a growing trend towards high-density orchards and a widening supply-demand gap. Anand mentioned, "Farmers are not only wasting money but also losing valuable time," as they wait for private companies to deliver high-density Italian apple plants. To alleviate these issues, the department will ensure the import of high-quality, disease-free plants.
This decision aligns with government efforts to promote modern horticulture. Anand highlighted the setup of nurseries with Central Government backing to support this transition. This approach aims to overcome the erratic nature of private suppliers, ensuring timely access to quality saplings.
In light of a specific incident involving the firm 'FruitWall' and canker-affected apple plants, the department has issued a show-cause notice and mandated corrective measures. The company must now replace the compromised stock and cover treatment costs as per the agreement terms.
Anand addressed quality control for imports, noting current overseas inspection by a central team but acknowledging the lack of direct departmental involvement. On arrival in Kashmir, plants undergo further scrutiny before reaching farmers.
Despite governmental support, including a 50% subsidy on Italian high-density apple plants, farmers report exploitation by authorized private companies. This emphasizes the necessity for systematic regulatory practices to ensure fair access and quality assurance.
Source: Etv Bharat