SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has imported 2.22 lakh clonal root stocks from Netherland while 1.21 lakh high density apple plants are being imported from Italy next month.
Meanwhile, 19.66 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMTs) of apple production was reported during 2015-16 out of which 14.58 LMTs had been exported. The state government is exploring the possibility for establishment of four cold stores under public people partnership (PPP) mode as state just one available in private sector with a total capacity of 0.60 LMT at Lassipora Pulwama, against the requirement of 3 LMT there.
Minister for Horticulture Ghulam Nabi Lone in reply to a question by Ajaz Ahmad Mir in the Legislative Assembly (LA) here today said a pilot “High Density Scheme” has been formulated and expenditure shall be born on 50-50 basis by the government and growers. During the current financial year, the plantation on 40 hectares private land and 10 hectares public land shall be covered.
He said under the tradional farming, there are only 250 plants per hectare. However, under the High Density Plantation, 2200 to 4000 plants per hectare can be planted.
The minister said 2.22 lakh clonal root stocks have been imported from Netherland costing Rs 1.73 crore. These were planted at three placesAdvanced centre for horticulture Zainapora, Shopian, S K Unversity of Agriculture Sciences and Technology-Kahmir and Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) Srinagar for propagation and multiplication of the imported material.
He said orders for import of 1.21 lakh high density apple plants from Itlay have been placed and the material is expected in the July first week. The same shall be distributed under the pilot scheme after quarantine actions.
The production of apple was 16.78 LMTs during the year 2014-15 when 12.55 LMTs has been exported. Similarly during the year 2015-16, the production was 19.66 LMTs and export was 14.56 LMTs, he added. He said the Horticulture department is exploring the possibility for establishing of Cold Store under PPP mode in four terminal fruit and vegetable markets and two satellite markets in the Ist phase at Parimpora, Sopore, Jablipora in Anantnag, Kulgam and Aglar in Shopian.
However, these facilities are available in private sector Lassipora in district Pulwama in south Kashmir at present . (Agencies)
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