Minister vows to strengthen mandi infra, improve facilities for growers, traders, labourers
Srinagar : Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Tuesday interacted with the representatives of Fruit Mandi Associations from Kashmir Division at the Civil Secretariat here to discuss issues concerning the functioning of fruit mandis and strengthening of horticulture market infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Marketing and Planning, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar; Managing Director, JKHPMC, Mohammad Farooq Dar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand; Presidents of Fruit Mandi Associations from Kashmir Division besides other senior officers.
During the interaction, the representatives apprised the Minister of various issues concerning the functioning of fruit mandis. They highlighted the need for strengthening the basic infrastructure and improving essential facilities for traders, fruit growers and labourers associated with the horticulture sector.
Javid Ahmad Dar assured the representatives that their genuine concerns would be examined and resolved on priority basis. He directed the concerned officers to maintain close coordination with the mandi associations and take necessary measures for addressing their issues in a time-bound manner.
The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to create a conducive and efficient working environment in fruit mandis, which play a vital role in facilitating horticulture trade and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of growers, traders and workers.
Javid Dar stressed the need for strengthening the basic infrastructure and improving essential facilities in fruit mandis to facilitate smooth trade operations and ensure better working conditions for all stakeholders. He called for coordinated efforts by the concerned departments to identify infrastructure gaps, address operational bottlenecks and ensure timely execution of necessary improvement works.
Highlighting the importance of the horticulture sector to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, the Minister underscored the need for sustained efforts to strengthen market infrastructure, improve trade facilitation and safeguard the interests of fruit growers and other stakeholders.
He also emphasized the importance of regular interaction with the Fruit Mandi Associations to ensure that their concerns are promptly brought to the notice of the concerned authorities and resolved effectively.
