Direct Procurement of Apple from Farmers in J and K
The government is planning to procure nearly 60 per cent of the estimated annual apple production in Jammu and Kashmir directly from the farmers. In the coming days, around 13 lakh metric tonnes of apples would be procured under the Direct benefit transfer scheme in J and K.
Implementing Agency
The apples will be procured by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). NAFED will procure the apples in association with J&K’s Directorate of Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.
Procurement Price
The procurement price will be based on the recommendations of State Level Price Fixation Committee which has members from the Central government, horticulture department of J&K and NAFED. The committee will determine the procurement price for A, B and C grade apple and other incidental charges like packaging, transportation, storage and related expenditure.
Boosting the Economy of J and K
The procurement plans are part of the plans to revitalise the economy of the Union Territory. The economy of the Union Territory is expected to get enhanced by about Rs 5000 crores as the direct procurement will create jobs not only farmers but truck drivers, cleaners, labours, packers. Thus benefitting the entire value chain.
Farmers will also make about 30 per cent more of what they used to make in the past as they will get the money without any middlemen being involved.
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd
NAFED was established on 2nd October 1958 with the objective to promote Co-operative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers. It is a registered entity under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act.
NAFED is responsible to organize, promote and develop marketing, processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce, distribution of agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state, import and export trade, wholesale or retail as the case may be and to act and assist for technical advice in agricultural, production for the promotion and the working of its members, partners, associates and cooperative marketing, processing and supply societies in India.
