Srinagar, Mar 9 (UNI) Expressing deep concern over the delay in supplying spray motors, tillers and other equipments, the United Fruit Growers Association (UFGA), Kashmir, has said 50 per cent increase in the cost of HP diesel has badly affected the farming community, comprising more than 70 per cent population of the state.
President of the UFGA Irfan Hafeez Lone said fruit export to Pakistan and other side of the Kashmir via Muzaffarabad must be allowed as Bangladesh has increased duty on fruit export from Rs 80,000 to Rs 2 lacs per truck.
He said the authorities have failed to provide spray motors and tillers to the farmers in the Kashmir valley.
This is the time to spray HP diesel on fruit and other trees, he said adding no spray could be done next month as it will be of no use. Mr Lone said if the produce is not sprayed upon in time, the trees would develop diseases affecting the production.
He criticised the increase in the price of HP diesel and said a barrel of HP diesel being used by the farmer which used to cost Rs 10,000 last year, is now Rs 15000 a barrel.
Mr Lone demanded immediate roll back of the prices saying diesel products are being used by the farmers at large scale.
He alleged hundreds of farmers were yet to receive the payment for fruits deposited by them under Marketing Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Some farmers were not paid for the fruits for the past two years, he added.
The MIS, under which government was purchasing C-grade fruits from the farmers, was a good step as it helped quality control of fruits being exported to other states, he said.
Mr Irfan said Bangladesh government has increased the duty on Kashmiri fruits from Rs 80,000 per truck to Rs two lacs per truck, affecting export of fruits to that country.
He appealed to the Centre to take up the issue with the Bangladesh government so that the duty is on Kashmiri fruits is reduced.
He also demanded opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade which, he said, would help the fruit industry to export products to Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
UNI
President of the UFGA Irfan Hafeez Lone said fruit export to Pakistan and other side of the Kashmir via Muzaffarabad must be allowed as Bangladesh has increased duty on fruit export from Rs 80,000 to Rs 2 lacs per truck.
He said the authorities have failed to provide spray motors and tillers to the farmers in the Kashmir valley.
This is the time to spray HP diesel on fruit and other trees, he said adding no spray could be done next month as it will be of no use. Mr Lone said if the produce is not sprayed upon in time, the trees would develop diseases affecting the production.
He criticised the increase in the price of HP diesel and said a barrel of HP diesel being used by the farmer which used to cost Rs 10,000 last year, is now Rs 15000 a barrel.
Mr Lone demanded immediate roll back of the prices saying diesel products are being used by the farmers at large scale.
He alleged hundreds of farmers were yet to receive the payment for fruits deposited by them under Marketing Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Some farmers were not paid for the fruits for the past two years, he added.
The MIS, under which government was purchasing C-grade fruits from the farmers, was a good step as it helped quality control of fruits being exported to other states, he said.
Mr Irfan said Bangladesh government has increased the duty on Kashmiri fruits from Rs 80,000 per truck to Rs two lacs per truck, affecting export of fruits to that country.
He appealed to the Centre to take up the issue with the Bangladesh government so that the duty is on Kashmiri fruits is reduced.
He also demanded opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade which, he said, would help the fruit industry to export products to Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
UNI
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