Javid Dar visits Handwara Fruit Mandi, assures priority resolution of growers’ concerns

Kupwara, Sep 19: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Saturday visited Handwara Fruit Mandi and reviewed its overall functioning, infrastructure and facilities being provided to fruit growers, traders and other stakeholders associated with the horticulture trade.
Member Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad accompanied the Minister during the visit.
The Minister held a detailed interaction with representatives of fruit growers, traders and the Mandi Association and listened to their concerns and suggestions regarding the smooth functioning of the mandi. The stakeholders apprised the Minister of various issues pertaining to basic infrastructure, facilities, marketing arrangements, transportation and other requirements aimed at facilitating hassle-free trade and ensuring better returns to growers.
While addressing the gathering, Javid Dar sought constructive suggestions from the stakeholders for further improving the functioning of the mandi and strengthening the existing marketing mechanism. He stressed the importance of developing efficient, transparent and grower-friendly market infrastructure to ensure that farmers and fruit growers receive better facilities and an enabling environment for the marketing of their produce.
The Minister assured the representatives that all genuine demands and issues highlighted during the interaction would be examined and addressed on priority, in coordination with the concerned officers. He directed the officers to maintain close coordination with the mandi associations and remain responsive to the genuine requirements of growers and traders.
Javid Dar emphasized that strengthening horticulture infrastructure and streamlining the marketing system is essential for safeguarding the interests of fruit growers, improving post-harvest management and giving further impetus to the horticulture economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Director Horticulture Marketing & Planning Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Agriculture Kashmir and Managing Director JKHPMC, besides senior officers and representatives of fruit growers and traders’ associations, were present on the occasion.