Srinagar: A delegation of saffron growers, horticulturists and artisans of Jammu and Kashmir called on President Pranab Mukherjee here and sought his help to redress their grievances.
The delegation was led by Saif-ud-din Soz, former union minister who heads the state Congress party. They met Mukherjee at Raj Bhavan.
Apprising the President of their problems, the saffron growers said they could supply high quality saffron but there was no adequate market available in the country.
The delegation said saffron is imported from Iran which is inferior in quality to the Kashmiri saffron.
Local artisans told the President that while their products are traditionally of high quality, fake materials like carpets and shawls are sold within and outside the country with `Made in Kashmir` labels.
The artisans also demanded enhancement of stipend in favour of the national awardees. They wanted a permanent exhibition centre for their products somewhere around Civil Lines in Srinagar so that the tourists have easy access to these products.
Local horticulturists demanded that apples be brought under the scheme of agricultural insurance and pleaded for abolition of export duty on apples sold to Bangladesh. They demanded subsidy on transporting horticulture products outside the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The members of various delegations said the President gave them a patient hearing and assured them of help wherever it was possible.
IANS
