Srinagar, Mar 24 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, highlighted the challenges facing the horticulture sector, highlighted that without government or corporate support, agricultural land would be lost to real estate.
Speaking in the Assembly, Lone stressed that horticulture and agriculture are key to preserving land resources. He warned that market forces would eventually dictate land use, making it essential to ensure the sector remains viable.
He pointed out two major threats to the apple industry—high import duties on apples from certain regions and the menace of spurious pesticides. "If the government does not intervene, these challenges will severely impact apple growers," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Lone also raised concerns about the slow progress in infrastructure development, including road connectivity, which affects the horticulture supply chain. He mentioned past initiatives like the Apple Cluster project in Shopian, which aimed to bring corporate investment but failed to make significant headway.
Furthermore, he brought attention to pending cases related to labour and material payments since 2017 and the plight of retired employees of Jackford, many of whom have not received their pensions, leading to hardships and even deaths.
Lone urged immediate government intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of horticulturists and ensure the industry's sustainability.(KNS)