Question: Which of the following States government has declared 2017 as ‘Year of Apple’?
(a)Himachal Pradesh
(b)Jammu & Kashmir
(c)Kerala
(d)Manipur
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
- On February 19th , 2017, Chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mahbooba Mufti declared to observe year 2017 as ‘Year of Apple’ to promote the famous Kashmiri apple in domestic and overseas markets.
- On the same day the Chief Minister termed Horticulture as the backbone of State’s economy and launched the High Density Apple Plantation Scheme.
- This scheme is to be operated with the subsidy by J&K bank.
- The Chief Minister has asked the bank authorities to slash down the interest rates further on the credit to be given to farmers under the scheme.
- In first stage this scheme will be available at Jablipora in Anantnag and Aglar in Pulwama.
- Under this scheme 50% subsidy would be provided by the Government.
- Besides establishment of e-markets for the online sale of the produce, Mega mandies and Cold stores would be set up in the State.
- It is Notable that J&K is the largest apple producer in the country.
- It produces 1.2 metric tonnes apples, which is 71% of the total national production.
Reference :
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kashmir-to-observe-2017-as-the-year-of-apple/article17326453.ece
http://onlykashmir.in/mehbooba-launches-apple-plantation-scheme-2017-to-be-observed-as-year-of-apple
observed-as-year-of-apple/