Srinagar: The Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing is making hectic preparation for the smooth operationalization of the MIS (Market Intervention Scheme) recently launched on 28th October by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the benefit of the horticulture sector in the Valley.
Imam Din, Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing has been hectically touring the selected Mandis for the scheme and taking stock of the preparations being made by the department in this regard so that the scheme is run without any hurdle.
It may be recalled that the scheme for the first time was launched during September-2019 and had been appreciated by the stakeholders who that time found it favourable and beneficial .It is in light of that success the government this year once again approved the scheme to keep up with the national ambition of doubling the farmers’ income.
According to Director Horticulture (P&M) Imam Din the government in its estimate is planning to procure about 12 lakh MT this year under this scheme. He further said that the scheme is going to play a vital role in increasing the growth of Horticulture sector in J&K.
He said that the scheme will safe guard the apple growers and traders from distress sale as it is planned in such a way that they will get reasonable returns.
Commenting on the role of NAFED in the scheme , he said, “They will be buying apples from the growers and traders ,and simultaneously make the payment directly into their accounts through DBT. They will also be responsible for all issues related to marketing and transportation.”
As per officials, while touring Fruit & vegetable Mandis ,the Director has been instructing the staff to gear up for the mega scheme where all eyes are on our ability and efficiency in implementing this scheme in the most possible ideal environment. As growers and traders have high expectations with this department, which has been at the forefront for marketing of Horticulture products in India as well as abroad since its inception, he added.
The director while interacting with traders at Parimpora F&V Mandi Srinagar reminded them of the recent announcement of LG wherein he had said that for promoting J&K’s Horticulture and Agriculture produce to the global platform; official stall of J&K will also be displayed in the upcoming Dubai Food festival.
It is pertinent to mention that the registration for availing the scheme was available both online as well as on offline mode. The Director at Jablipora Anantnag F&M Mandi while interacting with traders and growers said that the necessary infrastructure has been established at the selected Collection Centres for smooth execution of the scheme. He further said that the Horticulture (P&M) Department will be monitoring and supervising all the procurement at the designated Mandis across valley.
Imam Din said that the department will make utmost efforts to make this scheme optimally successful in order to further uplift the Horticulture sector in the valley consistent with the motto of the department to provide all the available marketing opportunities to growers and traders of J&K for their maximum benefit and the overall growth of J&K’s GDP.

KR Desk