10.78 Lakh Metric Tonnes apples transported

JAMMU: Nearly 10.78 lakh metric tonnes of fresh apples have been transported out of Kashmir valley till date this season, a senior official said Friday.

"Till date, 10.78 lakh MT of apples have been dispatched to outside mandis as against 11.74 lakh MT during the same period last year," Horticulture Secretary Manzoor Ahmad Lone said.

He said 77,000 trucks have been used for transportation of the fruit.

The officials said that under the Central Special Market Intervention Price Scheme (MISP), till date 4.85 lakh fruit boxes valuing Rs 32 crore have been procured and payment to the tune of Rs 26 crore has been made to the fruit growers.