Baramulla, Oct 02: Senior Vice President of Peoples Conference (PC) and former minister, Abdul Gani Vakil, expressed concern over what he called the step-motherly treatment of the UT administration towards the fruit industry in Kashmir. He noted that the current regime had ignored the industry and given no incentives to promote it.
Vakil in a statement said that while there had been assurances from the past and present governments to offer complete waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans and a special economic package, no steps had been taken in this direction, despite the economic clampdown and natural calamities which had devastated the industry.
Addressing party workers’ meetings at Botango, Muqamshierf, Reban, and Ferozpora Rafiabad, Vakil urged the UT and Central governments to provide all types of assistance to fruit growers to revive the industry. With the effect of both climatic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Vakil stated that government intervention was essential to save the industry by sanctioning special economic packages and waiving KCC loans and other loans. Fruit growers are struggling to handle the crisis, he added, with transportation charges hitting the sky, he said.
He said the fruit industry in Kashmir has long been the backbone of the economy, providing livelihoods for thousands. The current situation and lack of support threaten to deprive people of their sustenance, he said.
Vakil urged the authorities to provide swift and effective measures to revive the industry while providing essential assistance to those already affected.
The PC leader also visited fire sufferers in Shalikut, Rafiabad, where five residential houses were burnt to ashes. While offering sympathy, Vakil demanded immediate relief in cash to those affected to prevent further suffering, especially in the winter season.
