PULWAMA — Amid the ongoing peak apple harvesting season in Kashmir, cold storage operators have clarified that no preferential treatment is being given to large fruit merchants and that every grower and customer is being treated equally, subject to established procedures and availability of storage space.
Responding to concerns raised by some growers regarding alleged preference being given to bulk consignments, JKPICCA President Bashir Ahmad Naik said the overall apple season is progressing smoothly, with market prices remaining encouraging and road connectivity largely satisfactory.
He said every farmer matters and there is no policy of favouring one category of customers over another.
However, Naik said growers are also required to follow the standard operating procedures and policies of individual controlled-atmosphere (CA) stores while seeking storage facilities.
He said a proper procedure needs to be followed and growers cannot expect to be accommodated when available storage capacity is already occupied, particularly during the peak harvesting period.
“The operation involves significant logistical, operational and financial risks. Since this is a seasonal business, it requires advance planning and timely arrangements rather than last-minute requests,” he said.
Questioning the practicality of approaching a CA store for storage space only in September, when the harvesting season is already at its peak, Naik said stores remain open and their facilities are available to customers throughout the year, subject to prescribed procedures, booking arrangements, capacity and other applicable conditions.
He said storage allocation cannot be handled on an ad-hoc basis, particularly when facilities have to manage capacity, logistics, quality requirements and other operational considerations.
Naik said adherence to established procedures is necessary to ensure a fair and systematic system for all growers and customers.
At the same time, he said any genuine grievance or instance of alleged discrimination should be formally brought to the notice of the Jammu & Kashmir Fruits & Vegetables Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), along with proper documentary evidence, so that the matter can be examined and appropriate action initiated wherever required.
The JKPICCA president said the association remains committed to ensuring transparency and fair treatment of growers and other stakeholders, while urging all concerned to follow prescribed procedures and raise specific complaints through the proper channel.
Calling the CA storage industry a “mafia” was totally unjustified and unacceptable, Naik said, adding that any allegation or claim, particularly one made in the public domain, should be supported by facts, proper evidence and a clear understanding of the matter.
“Logic and facts must prevail. In each of my media interactions, I have clearly acknowledged and emphasised the importance of growers for CA store owners and the vital role they play in the entire horticulture ecosystem,” he said.
“I sincerely believe that better sense should prevail and that every statement made in public should carry a sense of responsibility, maturity and respect for all stakeholders,” he added.
Naik said his office was open to receiving any genuine complaint or grievance and urged anyone having a specific complaint to submit it along with complete facts and supporting evidence.
“Every such matter can then be examined on its merits, rather than being discussed through unsubstantiated allegations,” he said.
For complaints or verification, stakeholders may contact JKPICCA at jkpicca@gmail.com.