Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent public campaign aimed at discrediting the Cold Storage industry in the region. In a detailed statement, the association clarified several issues for the public, especially the apple-growing community of Jammu and Kashmir.
JKPICCA expressed deep concern and sympathy for the apple growers and stakeholders who are facing a crash in market prices this year. They highlighted that the cold storage industry in the Valley, which began in 2008, is still in its fledgling stages and operates under huge financial strain.
The association emphasised the strong and supportive partnership that has developed between the growers and the cold storage facilities over the years. Despite facing unfounded accusations, JKPICCA has chosen to maintain its focus on fostering brotherhood and cooperation among all stakeholders, the association said in a release.
In response to allegations of providing inferior cardboard boxes and enforcing their use, JKPICCA said that these boxes have been offered since 2008 to aid proper packing, and their use is not mandatory. The quality of these boxes is on par with those available in the market.
JKPICCA also addressed the current record-low market prices of apples, which have unfairly targeted cold storage unit holders. They pointed out that the price crash is due to multiple factors, including adverse weather, substandard pesticides, lack of regulatory oversight, and the unchecked proliferation of new cold storage units, which have collectively disrupted market dynamics.
The association rejected accusations that cold storage owners force growers to sell at the lowest possible rates. They stressed that no unit holder has the authority to compel such sales, and the price volatility is influenced by numerous external factors, including the influx of imported apples.
JKPICCA reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices and fair trade principles, noting that no complaints have been lodged against its members in the sixteen years since the industry’s establishment. They condemned the smear campaign and advised stakeholders to exercise caution and restraint in their public statements.
