(MOREPIC1) Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
MLA Sandeep Jakhar, who was the first to urge Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann last month to add locally grown fresh fruits instead of bananas in the in-day meal in schools across the state, has welcomed the reported directions given by the CM to the Education Department in this direction.
He said that kinnow growers were in distress on not getting remunerative price due to a bumper crop and chances of export getting bleak as Bangladesh had hiked import duty on the fruit which has wider growth in Abohar, Fazilka and neighbouring Sriganganagar region.
The MLA said that the District Education Officers in Fazilka and neighbouring districts should support farmers by making bulk purchases of kinnow to serve the same in the mid-day meal at least till March 31.
He said that government procurement of local produce will not only benefit the farmers but also children, farmers will get fair prices and will greatly help in crop diversification. As more than a 100-fruit grading and waxing plants were working in Fazilka district, it is safe to preserve the fruit for about two weeks.
The CM’s decision will also benefit local fruit growers in Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ropar and other areas, he said.
