Buying apples directly will weaken Valley’s economy: Drabu

Jammu, September 11

Former J&K Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu has ‘cautioned’ the government about its plan to directly buy the apple produce this year from growers in Kashmir and has said that the “intervention will structurally weaken the economy of Kashmir in the long run”.

In a Twitter exchange with Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Drabu wrote, “Today transportation is a hassle. Tomorrow growing apples will be a seen as a hassle. Logistics is an integral part of business. Don’t disrupt existing business networks for a one-time intervention by a government agency. It will structurally weaken the economy in the long run.”

He was responding to Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Twitter post, “Exciting news for apple growers. The NAFED is set to buy in all three grades at an impressive price. Every single fruit will bring in greater value, enhanced income at no transportation hassles”. — TNS