Srinagar: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called the horticulture sector the “backbone” of the Valley’s economy and criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for neglecting it.
Mufti highlighted that her late father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had implemented “bold and effective” measures to strengthen the sector during his tenure.
“Mufti Sahib recognized the fruit industry as the backbone of our economy. In his short tenure, he took decisive steps to support this vital sector,” she wrote on X.
She recalled that he had waived toll taxes, established fruit mandis across the region, introduced the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to purchase C-grade apples, and launched the high-density plantation scheme to improve productivity and quality.
In contrast, Mehbooba Mufti accused the current government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of being a “silent spectator” to the sector’s challenges. “It has failed to continue these crucial initiatives. Most notably, the government did not procure C-grade apples under the MIS this year, causing heavy losses for fruit growers already struggling with repeated disruptions, including frequent National Highway closures,” she said.
