Anantnag : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Friday chaired a meeting at DC Office to review the operationalization of railway goods services for transportation of horticulture produce from the district to outside markets.
The meeting was attended by the Addl Deputy Commissioner, Dr.Muzamil Maqbool, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Tariq Ahmad Malik, SDM Bijbehara, Tanveer Ahmad Tanveer, Tehsildar Bijbehara, Chief Horticulture Officer, SDPO Bijbehara, Area Marketing Manager, Railway Officer from Anantnag Railway Station, President Fruit Association Qazigund, and representatives of the Transport Association, Anantnag.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of close coordination among the concerned departments, railway authorities, fruit associations and transporters for the effective operationalization and utilization of railway goods services. He directed all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner and address logistical issues to facilitate the smooth movement of horticulture produce.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the availability of railway goods services, operational modalities and logistical requirements for ensuring the smooth and efficient transportation of horticulture produce.
It was informed that horticulture is one of the key sectors of the district economy, with around 32,381 hectares of land under horticulture and an annual fruit production of approximately 3 lakh metric tonnes. In view of the substantial volume of produce, the meeting highlighted the significance of railway services for timely delivery of fruit to the outside markets. The meeting was further informed that Jablipora, Ashijipora and Batengoo are three major fruit mandis in District Anantnag, serving as important centres for the collection, marketing and distribution of horticulture produce.
The participants discussed the potential of railway goods services as an additional efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation, particularly during the peak harvesting season.
The service is expected to provide growers and traders with an alternative transportation option and improve market connectivity for the horticulture sector.
The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned stakeholders to take necessary measures for the effective utilization of railway goods services, with the objective of facilitating timely transportation, reducing logistical challenges and benefiting fruit growers and traders of the district.
