Srinagar : The State Administrative Council (SAC), which met here Wednesday under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved the proposal of Horticulture Department for setting up of walnut processing units in the private sector through an enabled interest subvention scheme.
The objective is to increase the processing capacity of walnuts in the state. The adherence to scientific processing and grading practices shall fetch better returns in Wednesday’s competitive market.
The scheme will facilitate the interest subvention of 100% for a period of 5 years on a loan of Rs 1 crore availed for establishing of Walnut Processing Unit of 500 MTs capacity in Private sector. Ten (10) walnut processing units of 500 metric ton capacity each have been targeted under the scheme.
In another similar decision, the SAC approved setting up of the walnut nurseries in the private sector with an attractive interest subvention and subsidy support.
This scheme shall facilitate 50% subsidy, subject to a ceiling of Rs 7.50 lakh, for establishing a walnut nursery with high tech poly green house, costing Rs 15 lakh in private sector and 100% interest subvention on balance loan raised for the purpose, for a period of 05 years. Seven (7) walnut nurseries are targeted to be covered under the scheme during 2018-19.
The proposal aims to encourage private entrepreneurs for establishment of walnut nurseries for the production of grafted walnut plants which are having huge demand not only in the state but also in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand & North Eastern States. The availability of grafted walnut plants of the recommended varieties shall boost the production of walnuts in the State. This will also help in production of uniform produce.
