Sopore Apple Growers Seek Government Support Ahead of Elections
In Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, apple growers are calling for government support as the third phase of Assembly elections approaches. They are asking for a cold storage facility, a waiver on trade taxes, and subsidies on quality pesticides and fertilizers. The growers have faced significant losses due to natural calamities and are urging the government to prioritize the horticulture sector.
Importance of Sopore’s Fruit Mandi
Sopore, known as the ‘apple town’ of Kashmir Valley, is home to Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi. This mandi generates an annual turnover of over Rs 13,000 crore and handles more than 60% of the valley’s apple production. It plays a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to the region’s GDP.
Voices from the Mandi
Zubair Ahmad Bhat, an accountant at Abdullah Fruits, highlighted the mandi’s importance, stating, ‘This mandi is the business hub of Kashmir. Various varieties of apples are dispatched to almost every part of India, as well as Nepal and Bangladesh. At least 200 trucks are loaded here every day, generating significant employment for over 2,000 people.’
Rameez Malik, an apple grower and trader, added, ‘This is Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi. Over 5,000 boxes of fruits are dispatched daily across India and to countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. The mandi’s annual turnover is around Rs 13,500 crore, and over 20,000 people are employed here.’
Election Hopes
Malik expressed hope for the upcoming elections, saying, ‘We will vote for those who support the growth of the horticulture sector. The government should focus on reducing taxes on apple boxes, establishing cold storage facilities, and providing quality pesticides and fertilizers.’
He also highlighted the challenges faced by apple growers due to natural disasters and appealed for a waiver of Rs 3 lakh on Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Additionally, he urged the government to make fruit exports to Bangladesh tax-free to increase earnings for growers.
Conclusion
Sopore’s fruit mandi is a vital part of the region’s economy, and apple growers are seeking government support to overcome challenges and ensure the growth of the horticulture sector.
Doubts Revealed
Sopore -: Sopore is a town in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. It is known for its apple orchards and fruit markets.
Government support -: Government support means help or assistance provided by the government to people or businesses. In this case, apple growers want help from the government.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state government. These elections happen in different phases or stages.
Cold storage facility -: A cold storage facility is a place where fruits and vegetables are kept at low temperatures to stay fresh for a longer time.
Waiver on trade taxes -: A waiver on trade taxes means that the government will not charge certain taxes on the buying and selling of goods, making it cheaper for the growers.
Subsidies -: Subsidies are financial help from the government to make things cheaper. Here, it means making pesticides and fertilizers less expensive for apple growers.
Fruit mandi -: A fruit mandi is a large market where fruits are bought and sold. Sopore’s fruit mandi is very big and important for the local economy.
Turnover -: Turnover is the total amount of money made from selling goods or services. Sopore’s fruit mandi makes over Rs 13,000 crore every year.
Horticulture sector -: The horticulture sector includes growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is an important part of farming.
Kisan Credit Cards -: Kisan Credit Cards are special cards given to farmers in India to help them get loans easily for their farming needs.
Rs 3 lakh waiver -: A Rs 3 lakh waiver means that the government will forgive or not ask for the repayment of Rs 3 lakh from the farmers’ loans.