For procuring nearly 12 lakh MTs of apples on remunerative price, a Special Market Intervention Price Scheme (MIPS) of Government of India has been introduced in Jammu and Kashmir. The move, for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir would benefit apple growers and merchants in a satisfactory way. What makes it special is that the procurement would be made at the door steps of the fruit growers who now would stand relieved of the anxiety about the timely availability of transporting facilities.
The move deserves all the appreciation as it exhibits the deep concern of the Government especially at Centre to ensure that apple growers encountered no difficulties or would feel concerned in any way about sale and proceeds thereof. What makes it more interesting is that 60 percent of the apple production as at last year would be procured under the S M I P S . It is for the apple growers, now, to reap the benefits of the scheme . However, concerned district authorities must make a wide awareness about the scheme to help apple growers get the benefits thereunder.