Jammu, March 19: In a significant development aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector in remote regions, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has unveiled a comprehensive list of schemes and subsidies available for fruit growers in the Padder-Nagseni constituency of Kishtwar district. The details were presented in response to a question raised by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma in the assembly on wednesday.
The Minister Incharge of Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments outlined a multi-pronged strategy to support apple, walnut, and other fruit growers through targeted interventions.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): This flagship programme provides financial support for the development of new orchards, irrigation systems, farm mechanization, vermi-compost units, pack houses, cold stores, and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units.
Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP): HADP focuses on the production of designer plants to promote high-density plantations and orchard rejuvenation. Assistance is provided for establishing rootstock banks, mother block units, and protected cultivation infrastructure.
Additionally, the scheme aids in strengthening agri-marketing systems through support for grading lines, refrigerated vans, composting units in mandis, and pickup vans.
High-Density Plantation Scheme: This scheme facilitates the establishment of high-density orchards of various fruit crops, offering significant subsidies to enhance yield and productivity.
Additional Support Measures: Support is extended for grading and packaging units, area expansion, and the establishment of cold storage and processing units. CA storage units are eligible for a 50% subsidy up to Rs. 9 crore (for a 5000 MT capacity), with an additional top-up subsidy of up to Rs. 7.26 crore.
The government is also promoting food processing through various schemes: Under MIDH, a 50% subsidy is available for technical civil works and plant & machinery (up to Rs. 8 crore).
PMFME offers a 35% credit-linked subsidy of up to Rs. 10 lakh for micro food processing units.
UT Capex Budget allows for a 50% subsidy (up to Rs. 10 lakh) on machinery costs, with an additional 10% subsidy for women and Self-Help Groups.
