PHDCCI-K delegation meets Agriculture Minister, flags sectoral challenges
Srinagar, Jul 10: A delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir, led by Chairman Vicky Shaw and Co-Chair Javaid Anim, met with Javaid Ahmad Mir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, to discuss key challenges and development opportunities in the agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, was attended by Executive Committee members Bilal Kawoosa, Fayaz Ahmad, and Nasir Rather, along with Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, PHDCCI Kashmir.
During the discussion, the delegation raised several pressing concerns and submitted proposals for the Minister’s consideration. Key issues included the need for expedited approvals for cold storage projects and the inclusion of cold room infrastructure under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), unchecked import of planting material affecting local growers, and the need for price rationalization in the High-Density Apple Plantation Scheme.
Other points highlighted were restrictions on apple imports to safeguard local farmers, export incentives to enhance apple competitiveness, a mid-term review of HADP and the J&K Industrial Policy (CIP), creation of a revolving fund for wool procurement to support artisans, and funding support for cattle breeding farms and silk-wool cluster parks.
The delegation also recommended adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in government nurseries to improve efficiency and outreach.
The PHDCCI apprised the Minister of the ongoing Poultry Entrepreneurship Training Programme, being conducted in collaboration with SIDBI across various districts, which has successfully contributed to rural employment generation.
A key proposal presented was the organization of a flagship Agriculture and Horticulture Exhibition in Srinagar and Jammu, jointly hosted by the Agriculture Department and PHDCCI. The event would aim to showcase agri-innovations, attract investment, and build market linkages for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs in the Union Territory.
Minister Javaid Ahmad Mir appreciated the delegation’s inputs and acknowledged the genuine nature of the concerns. He assured that the proposals would be reviewed and addressed in a time-bound manner. The Minister especially welcomed the idea of hosting a national-level Agri-Horti Expo, recognising its potential to boost the visibility and growth of the sector.
The PHDCCI Kashmir expressed gratitude for the Minister’s receptive approach and reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the government for sustainable and inclusive growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors of Jammu & Kashmir.
