In a big move for the apple growers of Jammu and Kashmir (JK), the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the extension of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for apple procurement in the Union Territory for the current season of 2020-21. The extension is on the same terms and conditions as were applicable during the 2019-20 season. 

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The procurement of apple will be done through National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (NAFED).  

NAFED through the state designated agencies including Directorate of Planning and Marketing, Department of Horticulture and Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Processing and Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC)  will procure apple directly from the farmers and the payment will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Bank account of apple farmers.  

12 LMT of apples can be procured under this scheme. 

Government has also allowed NAFED to utilise government guarantee of Rs 2,500 Cr for this operation. The losses, if any, to be incurred in this operation will be shared between Central Government and UT administration of J&K on 50:50 basis.          

The constituted Designated Price Committee of last Season will be continued for the fixation of price of various variety and grades of apples for this Season also. The UT administration of JK shall ensure the provision of basic amenities in the designated mandis. 

Smooth and continuous implementation of the procurement process will be monitored by constituted Monitoring Committee under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary at the central level and constituted implementation & Coordination Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary at the UT Level. 

This announcement of the Government of India will provide an effective marketing platform to apples growers and will facilitate employment generation for the local people a government release said. It will ensure remunerative prices for apples resulting in overall income enhancement of farmers in JK, it further said. 

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