With an annual production of more than 2.2 million metric tonnes, the apple from J&K contributes to 87 per cent of the national production

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar and the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha virtually inaugurated the Apple Festival, organised for the first time in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. 

Appreciating the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s efforts, Tomar said that the government is doing good and speedy work for the development of agriculture in the UT with the funds provided under various schemes by the central government.

Tomar said that apple and Kashmir are synonymous with each other, it is the main crop and this important event will provide a better platform to apple growers and other stakeholders here under the able leadership of Sinha. 

With an annual production of more than 2.2 million metric tonnes, the apple from J&K contributes to 87 per cent of the national production and is linked to the livelihood of about 30 per cent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that under the leadership of Sinha, the work of filling the gaps in the field of agriculture is being done at a very fast pace. 

Tomar expressed happiness that high-density plantation has been done in 2300 hectare area under a special scheme in the UT and the largest quarantine centre for high-density planting material is also being opened.

During the programme, cheques and certificates related to various schemes were given to the farmers. Booklet on Horticulture was also released. Local public representatives, apple growers, farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural scientists and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Naveen Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Jammu and Kashmir delivered the welcome address and Director General (Horticulture) Ejaz Ahmed Bhatt proposed a vote of thanks.