Mobile AC van launched to help Kashmir farmers transport perishables
Srinagar, Feb 2: In a move aimed at strengthening post-harvest infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley, Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah dedicated a fully equipped mobile air-conditioned van to the farming community for efficient transportation of perishable produce.
The vehicle has been designed to ensure safe and temperature-controlled movement of fruits, vegetables and other perishables within the Valley as well as to markets outside the region.
Procured under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), a flagship initiative of the Agriculture Production Department, the van seeks to address key challenges faced by farmers, including post-harvest losses, lack of refrigerated transport facilities and quality degradation during transit, which often leads to poor market prices.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural modernisation. “This mobile air-conditioned van is a practical intervention to reduce post-harvest losses, preserve the freshness and quality of farm produce, and improve market access for growers,” he said.
He added that the facility would enable farmers to transport their produce to distant markets in better condition, helping them secure remunerative prices and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural economy in the region.
The van is equipped with advanced cooling and air-conditioning systems to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels during transportation, ensuring minimal damage to delicate crops. Officials said the facility is expected to benefit small and marginal farmers, cooperatives and producer groups by offering an affordable, on-demand transport solution.
The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of HADP, which focuses on infrastructure development, value addition, improved market linkages and sustainable growth in agriculture and allied sectors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar Ajaz Hussain Dar and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion.
