JK introduces Card Board Cartons as alternative to wood for frui

Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) With the view to make fruit more remunerative and acceptable to the consumers in the competitive market, the Jammu and Kashmir government is set to introduce Card Board Cartons (CBC) on large scale as alternate to wooden shooks ''In the first instance, about 10 Lakhs CBC manufactured scientifically and as per the specifications of the institute of Packaging, Government of India would subsidize the rates to the fruit growers and traders,'' Minister for Horticulture Mohammad Dilawar Mir said.

The Minister impressed upon the concerned officers to ensure that fruit growers were provided with standard quality of CBC.

However,he said ''Performance Bond should be issued to approved manufacturing units to ensure smooth and un-interrupted supply of boxes throughout the fruit season.'' ''The farmers choice to select a particular brand of CBC should be the benchmark,'' he said and added that ''farmers are eagerly waiting for adoption of this modern intervention not only to protect environment but also to compete in domestic as well as international market.'' He directed the officers concerned to complete assessment on the ground level to ascertain the quantum of demand for Carton Boxes adding that this modern technology intervention would also help to save green wealth apart from making horticulture products more remunerative and profitable.

He also instructed the officers to provide Poly-green Houses and spray motors under Technology Mission to the interested fruit growers and farmers to give boost to horticulture sector in the State.

UNI