Javid Dar meets Fruit Mandi bodies to address horticulture concerns

Srinagar, Sep 30: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative & Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, chaired a consultative meeting with presidents and office bearers of Fruit and Vegetable Market Associations of Kashmir Division at the Directorate of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, J&K, to review sectoral challenges.

Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Gh. Jeelani Zargar, along with senior officers, briefed the meeting on ongoing initiatives to strengthen post-harvest management, improve market linkages, and enhance marketing efficiency.

Stakeholders flagged issues such as the need for more Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, standardised packaging material, smoother transport on National Highway and Mughal Road, establishment of processing units, wider crop insurance coverage, revival of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), promotion of e-NAM trading, and better functioning of mandis.

The minister assured prompt action and underlined the government’s commitment to collaborative solutions. He stressed the adoption of modern, high-tech practices to boost J&K’s horticulture-driven economy.