Srinagar, Jan 22: Apple remains at the heart of horticultural economy of the state and “we at J&K Bank are committed to provide timely/adequate and hassle-free finances to further the growth and development of this industry.”
 “Our main objective is to empower the grower in a way that his personal growth itself runs parallel to the growth of industry.”
 “For this purpose, we have tailored a comprehensive scheme under the title JK Bank Apple Advance Scheme that ensures timely and adequate credit to cater to all requirements of Apple growers and other people in the trade under single window adopting whole farm approach.”
 This, according to a handout issued by the bank today, was stated by Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad while launching the ‘Apple Advance Scheme’ at bank’s corporate headquarters, here.
 The Chairman addressed the jam packed gathering comprising of fruit growers, traders, Commission and Forwarding (C&F) agents, Members of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Federation of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (FCIK) besides various government functionaries and top executives of the Bank.
 The scheme, he said, has been redesigned to meet the comprehensive requirements of growers, traders and Commission & Forwarding (C&F) agents that include updated production and marketing costs. Moreover, a special financial component to meet the consumption/subsistence needs of the growers has been provided for in the new scheme in addition to an optional finance for cold storage of the produce at the destination-markets to mitigate the unfavourable market conditions and maximize the returns.
 Executive President J&K Bank Ajit Singh while presenting the vote of thanks gave an over-view of the pivotal role being played by the Bank as primary institutional lender to the fruit industry of the state.
 A short film produced by the corporate communication department of the bank highlighting the significance of apple in the fruit industry of the state and various features of the revised ‘Apple Advance Scheme’ was screened at the ceremony.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST