Srinagar,Jan 24: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFG) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to allocate substantial funds for the horticulture sector in the Budget Estimates for 2026–27, citing repeated natural disasters, mounting losses, and long-pending structural gaps that threaten the backbone of the Valley’s economy.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Union highlighted that horticulture remains the single largest contributor to the Union Territory’s economy, directly or indirectly supporting more than seven lakh families.
The Union sought a comprehensive compensation package for losses suffered during the devastating floods of August–September 2025 and demanded adequate budgetary allocation in 2026–27 to compensate affected fruit growers and dealers.
The KVFG also pressed for the immediate implementation of a crop insurance scheme for horticulture, on the lines of existing schemes for agriculture, and the reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to procure Grade-C apples at government-fixed rates.
Additionally, the Union demanded the establishment of a dedicated Horticulture Estate, funding for setting up CA and cold stores, subsidy on tray-based cardboard boxes, and an immediate ban on silicate-based cardboard boxes.
The KVFG warned that without strong policy support and financial backing in the 2026–27 budget, the horticulture sector may face irreversible damage, affecting livelihoods across the Valley.
