Implement MIS and save fruit growers in Kashmir: CPI(M)

Srinagar, Sep 16 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (M) today demanded immediate implementation of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to help the fruit growers who suffered extensive losses due to recent agitation.

In a statement here today the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (M) Mohammad Yousuf Targami said poor implementation of the scheme, introduced in 2000, has not provided the desired incentives to the fruit growers through Procurement of (C) grade and diseased fruit.

This, he said, has also affected the marketing and better returns for Kashmiri fruits in markets outside the state owing to growing competition of other states especially Himachal Pradesh.

Mr Tarigami said the growers were not paid for their (C) grade fruit as per the market prices.

He added that hail storm hit and scabbed fruits should be procured from the growers and the procurement rates should be enhanced.

He said the delay, in the implementation of MIS which would have been started in August this year could result in losses as they could not export their produce to the outside markets.

He said an immediate and comprehensive policy for growers should be implemented in the state so that the growers do not face any future economic threat.

UNI BAS QAB SR VC1734