Reports on APEDA refund demand do not present complete picture, revival plan for pack house project in Shopian already made
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 21: In response to media reports regarding APEDA’s demand for the refund of funds released for the Integrated Pack House and Cold Chamber Storage Project at Chowdrigund, Shopian, the Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (JKHPMC) has clarified that the matter needs to be viewed in the context of the proposed revival of the project.
The project, as per an official statement, conceived in 2005 with assistance from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), could not be completed despite repeated extensions, primarily due to the frequent site and project design changes and default of the executing contractor. Action was taken against the contractor, including blacklisting and legal proceedings.
Recognising the importance of the facility for apple growers in Shopian and adjoining areas.
JKHPMC has undertaken a fresh technical assessment and prepared a revival plan to complete the project with modern post-harvest infrastructure. Since the technology envisaged at the time of the project’s conception has become outdated, the proposed plan incorporates facilities suited to current industry requirements. Given this fact, the revival plan had become inevitable.
The revival plan envisages a modern grading, packing and waxing line with a capacity of 5 metric tonnes per hour, along with a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facility of approximately 2,000 metric tonnes. The existing infrastructure of the original project will be utilised wherever technically feasible.
The project is proposed to be completed with an investment of around ₹20 crore from UT Government CAPEX for which the demand will be projected in budgetary estimates in the ensuing financial year.
Once operational, the facility will enable scientific storage, improve post-harvest handling, reduce losses and allow growers to market their produce beyond the peak harvesting season. This is expected to improve market realisation for growers and strengthen the horticulture sector in Shopian, one of the major apple-producing districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The project will also become a source for local employment.
Regarding APEDA’s demand for a refund of the assistance released for the original project, the matter will be taken up with the Government of India in-terms clause 18 of the project MOU dated: 15th July 2005, for a considered view in light of the proposed revival and the commitment to complete the facility using J&K Government resources.
JKHPMC remains committed to reviving the stalled project, upgrading the infrastructure in line with present-day requirements and ensuring that the facility delivers its intended benefits to apple growers.
