Srinagar, 20 August (H.S.): The PDP leader Iltija Mufti today accused the National Conference-led Government of failing to address the concerns of Kashmir's fruit growers and alleged that the Centre was favouring capitalists at the expense of the Valley's horticulture sector.

Speaking to reporters after joining a protest by fruit growers at Jablipora Fruit Mandi in south Kashmir's Bijbehara, Mufti said repeated losses caused by natural calamities and other disruptions had left growers in need of urgent Government support.

The NC Government is not giving proper attention to the issues of the apple growers, she said.

Alleging that the interests of local growers were being overlooked, Mufti warned that favouring some capitalists could undermine Kashmir's fruit economy.

To favour some capitalists, you want the fruit economy of Kashmir to collapse and we will not let that happen. We stand with the fruit growers and we will keep raising our voice till they get some relief, she said.

She added that a similar protest had earlier been planned in Shopian but was not allowed, following which the growers assembled at Jablipora Fruit Mandi.

She also questioned the purpose of visits by ministers and officials to Kashmir unless they were followed by concrete decisions to resolve the growers' problems.Ladakh news platform

Listing the demands of the growers, Mufti called for immediate implementation of a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, saying orchardists continued to suffer losses due to road closures, hailstorms and other natural calamities.

She also sought a waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for affected farmers, saying growers were facing mounting financial liabilities and paying heavy interest on their loans.

Mufti further demanded adequate compensation for crop losses and subsidies to enable orchardists to install protective nets against weather-related damage.

She also called for improved post-harvest infrastructure, including more cold-storage facilities, better transportation and dedicated green corridors to ensure faster movement of fruit to markets.

Horticulture is important for Kashmir's economy. In difficult times, one thing kept the economy better and that was due to the horticulture sector, she said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar