In order to facilitate apple growers in the state, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has come out with a scheme - Rejuvenation of Senile Apple Orchards. It has committed to provide Rs 1,000 crore in financial year 2014-15.
According to Nancons (Nabard Consultancy Services) study, 40 per cent of orchards are too old or have outlived their economic life in the state. The total estimated area under such orchards is about 62,000 hectres.
Speaking to Business Standard, Nabard Chief General Manager (Jammu), B G Mukhopadhyay, said, "At the instance of the state government, Nabard commissioned the services of Nabcons to undertake a comprehensive study of the entire value chain of apple. Rejuvenation of orchards, spread over 62,000 hectares, is required to facilitate apple growers to get better returns. The total fund requirement for the effective implementation of the scheme is about Rs 1,550 crone. For financial year 2014-15, we have committed to provide Rs 1,000 crore under the scheme."
