Fruit growers soar over eco policies
Over 90 percent decline in export of fresh fruit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: India which was one of the main exporters of fresh fruit like apple and pears till 1996 has now become the importer of the same this started after the implementation of World Trade Organization (WTO) resolutions and General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) agreements resulting in loss of foreign exchange in crores of rupees.

According to figures available, the nation which has exported 13,216 mts of fresh fruit during the year 1996-97, has to import 6,000 mts last year. However, the export of dry fruit remained some what static. The sharp decline in exports will directly hit the fruit industry in Kashmir which was the main exporter of fresh and dry fruit apprehends the J&K Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Srinagar.

The decline in export has touched over 90 percent if the figures of 1997 and this year are calculated, according to Mr Ghulam Rasool a senior office bearer of the Association.

He alleged economic and trade policies of the Government one of the main threats to the fruit industry in the Valley than militancy.

The implementation of GATT and WTO agreements one of the main cause for this decline he said,adding that fruit growers in Kashmir where from the fresh fruit comes in bulk for export are being deprived of the facilities and latest technology which is available to their counterparts in western countries.

He said this is the biggest reason that we have failed to compete in the global market after the enforcement of these two agreements.

Mr Bhat while giving the year wise figures said, in 1996-97, 13,216 mts of fresh fruit were exported from Kashmir valley which declined to 11,094 mts in 1997-98, 7442 in 1998-99, 5,000 mts in 1999-2000 and 2,500 mts in last year.

He said instead India became an importer of fresh fruit and three mts were imported in 1998, which increased to 1,900 mts in 2000 and reached 6,000 last year.

He said the exports are likely to receive further setback since the quota system was abolished in March 31. As the foreign countries have latest technologies like cold storage and cold chains available hence we are not in a position to compete with them.

Even in foreign countries the Government provides marketing facilities to growers and incentives to exporters which we do not have in J&K. Highlighting the other lacunas which come as an impediment in the way , he said "though we have come under WTO but our State has not been put in the export zone and hence we can not get the facilities for packaging".

Mr Bhat said the fruit industry which was yet to come out from the loss suffered by it due to the 12 year long militancy has bleak future now in case the immediate steps were not taken to save it.

Highlighting the problems being faced by the growers in Kashmir Valley he alleged the supply of substandard pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers to growers especially during the peak period of militancy hit the production to a great extent.

He said from eight to 12 mts of fresh fruit can be produced per hectare land in Kashmir valley while this is 60 to 80 mts in developed countries.

He said on two lakh 17 thousand hects of land which is under horticulture in Kashmir valley, the production should have been 25 lakh mts but it is not more than 11 to 12 lakh mts.

Mr Bhat said the fruit industry has played a vital role in saving the state economy from shambles even during the militancy period as 30 lakh people are directly involved with this industry.

Giving further details he said Rs 1,300 crore is the gross income of the state through fresh fruit and Rs 200 crore on dry fruit. Even during last year the State Government earned the net income of Rs 35 crore as Toll Tax from fresh fruit.

He alleged that the Centre and State Governments completely failed to educate the farmers and growers of modern techniques during the last six years after the GATT came into being in 1994.

Regarding the food processing which has been started by the J&K Government he demanded that it should reach the ground level so that the growers can compete with foreign countries in the global trade.

He said in J&K only two per cent food processing is done while it is 60 to 70 percent in foreign countries.

Highlighting the other demands Mr Bandey the another office bearer of the Association demanded that a cold storage facilities be provided at Totikaran Port in Chennai for the Valley fruit growers for exporting the apple to Sri Lanka, besides an accommodation be also provided there for 50 exporters. This facility be also provided near border in West Bengal for exporting of fruit to Bangladesh. He also demanded implementation of House Committee report on apple.

Mr Bandey is of the opinion that if the Government takes the drastic measures in consultation with the Growers Association the fruit industry can be put back on rails.

In this connection he said a 14 point demand charter has been submitted to Government which calls for declaration of fruit as industry, credit policy plan for agriculture and horticulture, remission of interest on advance since 1989-2000, waiving of bad debts, abolition of toll and octroi, fixing of support price and introduction of market intervention scheme for horticulture produce, introduction of crop insurance scheme, issuance of licenses to fruit exporters etc.

Sadhotra inaugurates examination hall of United Public School

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Minister for Rural Development Mr Ajay Sadhotra today inaugurated newly constructed examination for 10th class examination of United Public High School, Chhanni Himmat.

On this occasion, Mohd Syeed Akhnoon, MLA was the guest of honour while Mr Jai Pal Singh, Joint Secretary, Examinations, J&K State Board of School Education, Mr A S Wazir, Managing Director, J&K Housing Board, Jugal Kishore Gupta, president JRRPIA and Dr S S Dua, member International Human Rights Commission were the special invitees.

A colorful cultural programme was presented by the students of United Public School and Cultural Wing of State Information Department. Mr Jivan Sharma and Mr Tandon of Cultural Wing sung beautiful patriotic songs.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ajay Sadhotra said that United Public School is serving society by imparting education based on national integration, oneness and brotherhood. He requested the J&K State Board of School Education and educational authorities to make United Public School a 10 plus 2 school. He thanked Mr Jaipal Singh for announcing an examination center of 10th class at United Public School. Mr Sadhotra appreciated the role of Mr Ram Pal Sharma, an eminent social workers of Chhanni Himmat for running this school.

Mr Jai Pal Singh said that opening of 10th class examination center in United Public School for the students of Chhanni Himmat, Chhanni Kamala, Chhanni Rama, Chhanni Bija, Narwal and Bathindi was a genuine demand. He appreciated the management committee of school for construction of examination hall.

Mohd Syed Akhoon, MLA, speaking on the occasion said that United Public School made a lot of achievements in all fields whether it is in the field of education, sports or co-curricular activities.

Mr Chamel Singh Charak, Sarpanch and Mr Parveen Gupta also lauded the role of staff and management of United Public School. Mr Jugal Kishore Gupta requested the concerned authorities to grant permanent recognition to United Public School because this school is also serving the society by giving free education to some orphan and poor students.

Memontoes were given to Jagan Nath, Chamel Singh, Abdul Gani, Parveen Gupta, Hiralal Sharma by Mr Ajay Sadhotra and Mohd Syed Akhoon.

Prizes were also given to meritorious students.

Naidu lists measures for sustained development of J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: The Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu today launched the Prime Minister Rural Road Connectivity Scheme by laying the foundation stone of a link road connecting village Panchail via Basti No.2 with main road Bishnah. The estimated cost of the 3.15 km road stretch is Rs 99.40 lakh.

The minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr Ajay Sadhotra and senior officers of Centre and State of the Rural Development Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said during the last 50 years rural areas have largely lagged behind in terms of development. It is in this backdrop that the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee has introduced various schemes to bring the rural habitations in parity with the urban areas in terms of building of infrastructure and availability of basic services. Keeping this objective in mind, the Prime Minister, after assuming the office announced that under the annual plan 60 per cent of the allocations would be allocated to rural areas to provide basic minimum facilities in rural areas that are being availed of by the urban population.

Describing rural road connectivity as necessary for the overall development of a particular area, the Minister said the PMGY scheme will help a greatly in improving the socio-economic condition of the people, besides building up other infrastructure for providing safe drinking water, health services and education to the people living in rural areas. He said all the rural habitations having a population of 1000 will be covered up to 2003 and areas having a population of 500 will be covered up to 2007 under this scheme. Considering the geographical conditions of Jammu and Kashmir and repeated please of the State Government, the limit of population of a habitation for road connectivity has been slashed to 250, the Minister said adding that the Union Government has decided to spent Rs 60,000 crore for this purpose in the country. He said Rs 55 crore would be provided to the J&K State under the scheme including Rs 15 crore for border areas. Out of this, Rs 20 crore has already been released and the work on the scheme has been launched from this day. He impressed the need for formulation of district road maps strictly according to the guidelines and said the flow of funds will depend on the sustained progress of work and utilization of funds.

Referring to the establishment of Panchayati Raj in the country, Mr. Naidu congratulated the State Government for conducting Panchayat elections after a gap of 23 years. He stressed that the Panchayats should be made functional and all the powers as enshrined in the State and Union Constitutions may be trasnferred to these institutions. Quoting various examples of the functioning of Panchayats elsewhere in India, he said it should be made mandatory with every Panchayat to display comprehensive information for the people about the schemes taken up in a particular panchayat

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra expressed his gratitude to Mr. Naidu for spearing his precious time to visit J&K to take stock its problem. As regards PMGSY, he said the State has fixed a target of providing road connectivity to 2000 villages involving a cost of Rs 934 crore. He s aid after the popular Government took over the reins of administration massive thrust was laid on re-building the damaged infrastructure in the State. He said the National Conference Government has been giving top priority to the socio-economic of upliftment of rural population, he said during these years 1800 school buildings, 2800 bridges and culverts were constructed and 32,000 houses were provided under IAY. He said the Government has largely succeeded in reviving the education system in the State in general and in rural areas in particular, besides, providing basic amenities such as water supply, health services and employment opportunities with a view to improve the living standard of rural population.

Among others, present on the occasion included, Mr. Jagdish Dubey, MLA Panchs and Sarpanchs of the area and senior officers of Rural Development Department.

Second phase of Gandola project coming up at Gulmarg

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 11: Work on second phase of Gulmarg Gandola Project (GGP) has been taken up. The project involving Rs 10.66 crore is expected to be completed by July 2003.

Disclosing this at a joint meeting of senior officers of Tourism, JK TDC and allied agencies here yesterday, the Minister of State Tourism, Miss Sakeena Itoo said that MOU has been signed with a reputed French Company, M/S PAMA TASKI-L-I for its execution and all out efforts are on far completion of the said prestigious project within stipulated time.

The meeting among others was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, Managing Director, JK TDC, Mtr Tanveer Jahan and Director Tourism, Sheikh Nissar Ahmad.

While reviewing the performance of Gandola Cable Car Project, phase I it was informed that the Corporation had an income of Rs.1.22 crore during this year so far.

Reviewing the performance of Tourism department, the meeting was informed that several schemes aimed at promoting the sector on modern lines, costing Rs 20 crore are apace in Kashmir division, which includes renovation of Khankahi- Faiz Tral, "Ziarat Muqami Shah wali", Kupwara and Ziarat Sharief Ashmuqam besides construction of Gulmarg and Pahalgam circular roads and improvement of Amarnath Ji Yatra hill track.

The meeting also took stock of progress achieved by JK TDC and was informed that Rs 3.50 crore provided by the Centre to the Corporation for re-building the demaged infrastructure of Tourism sector in the State during last five years has been fully utilized for the purpose. With this the JK TDC spent Rs 6.65 crore on various schemes including development of Charchinari, cafeteria at Nehru park, upgradation of hotel Heemal at Boulovard Srinagar and other schemes for providing better facilities to the tourists at various tourist resorts.

The meeting was also told that over Rs 50 lakhs are being utilized for the improvement and beautification of various parks in the State especially Mugal Ganden during this fiscal year.

The Minister of State in her address said that Government has taken up numerous schemes during recent years for the promotion of tourism sector in the State which suffered heavy losses during last decade. She said present government will continue its efforts to consolidate the structure of the sector. The Minister stressed upon the concerned officers to work with more dedication so that policies and programmes of the government are implemented well in time.

She also directed for removal of the encroachments on the land belonging to the tourism department at various places in the State. The Minister instructed to ensure acquisition of required land for 2nd phase of GGP and remove bottle-nexes, if any.

Free consultation for mentally, physically retarded children

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Dr Arun Gandotra, MD (Pediatrics), Child Specialist today offered to provide free consultation for the mentally and physically retarded children.

As per a release, besides being Child Specialist, Dr Gandotra is the first and the only trained geneticist in this State. He has undergone training in the field of Genetics from All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi and Hyderabad. He has already been working for the welfare of mentally retarded children.

Now, he has offered free services for both mentally and physically retarded children. Free consultation will be available at Madhusudan Clinic and Research Centre, Adarsh Enclave, Sector-1, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Camp representatives felicitated
KPs criticise Government, relief authorities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: State Government came to sharp criticism at a function organised by the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) here today which was held to felicitate the newly elected members of camp development committees.

The function was chaired by Mr A N Vaishnavi president ASKPC while its senior vice president, Mr R K Raina was chief guest.

Highlighting the plight of the hapless community, Mr Vinod Kumar a newly elected member from Migrant Camp Muthi Phase One alleged that one youth has turned mad after his ration card, the only source of his livelihood was seized by Relief authorities some time back.

He said another Kashmiri Migrant, Mr Mahesh Chander is running from pillar to post for last 12 years to enroll himself as migrant but to no avail.

All the elected members while stressing on unity in the rank and file of the community , took a solemn pledge that they will not make any compromise on principles and fight for the genuine demands of the camp inmates.

They also expressed full faith in the leadership of Mr A N Vaishnavi and assured him that the new team of 36 members representing different camps will keep themselves aloof from any political decision and only pay attention towards the developmental side in the camps.

They warned the Government that not a single member will toe the Government line so far as the return and other matters are concerned and the parental organisations of the community have full mandate the to take any decision in this regard.

"We are not for the political process but for camp development", said Mr Manoj Kumar Thusoo from Purkhoo Camp third. " The Government should contact our parental organisations for the same" , he added.

He while warning the detractors of the community asked it to fight them out. He alleged that Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah had since promised the release of HRA and CCA for the migrant employees but no formal orders were issued till date.

Expressing full faith in the leadership of Mr Vaishnavi he asked him to gear up for fighting the next Assembly poll.

Mr Hira Lal Bhat from Nagrota stressed on unity. He said the differences of opinion should not be allowed to come in the way of unity in the rank and file of the community.

Mr Roshan Lal Raina of Purkhoo camp alleged that some political organisations are trying to influence us. He cautioned the community against their actions.

He said that the elections were not conducted in a fair and frank manner and disputed the claims of those community leaders who said that the poll were fair. He warned that if we fall in the trap of the political parties the entire community will perish and maintained that ASKPC is not a political party but a social organisation.

Mr B L Raina from Purkhoo alleged that Government was not attending to migrant problems and funds meant for developmental purposes were misused. He said the water supply scheme Purkhoo is total failure and warned those who indulge in corrupt practices.

In his address Mr Vaishnavi assured full support to the newly elected camp representatives in their struggle for the rights of the community members.

He while cautioning them of the vested elements bent upon creating a wedge in the community said they will never succeed in their designs if we are firm in our resolve to defeat them. Vaishnavi also condemned the yesterdays episode at Nagrota camp and warned the JDA authorities of serious consequences if they continue to harass the community members unnecessarily.

He said the JDA should keep its hands off from camp sites till the displaced community does not return with honour and dignity to Valley.

Earlier, Mr Hira Lal Chatta cautioned the members not to fall,in the trap of vested interests and refrain from taking any decision on political process. He said the members should work for development of the camp.

Mr Chatta said 25,000 families are settled outside the camps and hence the members should refrain from any decision. He demanded employment package and rehabilitation of the community.

Among others who addressed the gathering include Messrs P L Raina from Muthi and B L Bhat from Purkhoo.

Minister visits Rajouri hospital

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 11: Ch Mohd Hussain, Minister of State for Revenue today visited District Hospital Rajouri to inquire about the welfare of the persons who were injured in recent bomb blast in the town.

On his visit to the hospital, he instructed the Superintendent of Hospital to provide best available treatment to the victims of the blast.

The Minister also attended an OBC conference at Gujjars Hall here and assured the OBC people that he will take up their issues at the right quarters

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