Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government of neglecting the horticulture sector, which she calls the “backbone” of the Valley’s economy.
During his tenure as the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed supported and boosted the horticulture sector, taking some bold decisions, she added. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was Mehbooba’s father.
"Mufti Sahib clearly recognised the fruit industry as the backbone of our economy. During his short tenure, he took bold and effective measures to support this vital sector," Mufti said in a post on X.
"He waived the toll tax, established fruit mandis across the region, introduced the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to purchase C-grade apples, and launched the high-density plantation scheme to boost productivity and quality," she said.
However, the present government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has, in sharp contrast," remained a "silent spectator" to the issues of the horticulture sector, the PDP chief further added.
"It has failed to take forward these critical initiatives, most notably, it did not procure C-grade apples under the MIS this year, resulting in heavy losses for fruit growers who are already reeling from repeated disruptions, including the frequent closure of the National Highway," she said.
Due to its contribution to job creation, high-value crop revenue, export potential, agricultural diversification, tourism promotion, and sustainable development, horticulture is significant in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and is one of the main sources of income in the Union Territory for the people.
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