Marketing facilities for horticulture produce being augmented: Basharat Bukhari

Visits Parimpora Fruit Mandi, Kissan Ghar, Fruit & Vegetable Processing Center

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 24: Terming horticulture as bulwark of State’s economy, the Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Bukhari said that the sector provides significant succor to the development process and employment generation.

          The Minister said this during his visit to Parimpora Fruit Mandi where he inspected various sections of the Mandi including auction area, cold storage establishment site, parking area and shops.

          Secretary Horticulture M H Malik, Vice Chairman Horticulture Development Board Abdul Salam Reshi, Director Horticulture Kashmir Mathora Masoom, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Managing Director JKHPMC, Chief Horticulture officer Srinagar and other officers accompanied the Minister.

          Bukhari said the Mandi provides marketing facility to the fruit growers of the State for fetching better returns, adding that all requisite hi-tech facilities would be provided to the Mandi for convenience of fruit growers.

          He directed the concerned for  restoring and repairing drainage in and around the Mandi premises, beside preparing a calendar for cleaning drainage and initiating other hygiene and sanitation measure to avoid infections.

           The Minister directed for necessary renovation and repairs in auction shed and other sections of the Mandi and directed for taking innovative steps for beautification and modernizing the Mandi.

          He stressed for displaying uniform display boards of shops and type designing of buildings, besides improving parking facilities of the Mandi to ensure hassle free loading and transportation goods.

          Later, the Minister convened a meeting with the member of New Fruit Growers’ Association at Parimpora Mandi. The meeting discussed various issues related to the functioning and development of the Mandi. He assured the members of the Association that all their genuine demands will be redressed at the earliest.

          Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said the Government is taking major initiatives to boost the Horticulture produce and its marketing in the State. He said strengthening of this sector would result in strengthening of the economy of the State as a whole.

          The Minister also visited Fruit and Vegetable Processing Center Lal Mandi where he inspected various sections of the center including Processing Lab, Training Center and surroundings of the center.   

          A team of experts demonstrated the procedure of processing and packaging of fruits and vegetables for preservation.

          The Minister directed for necessary renovations and repairs in and around the center, besides for preparing a detailed report regarding the possibilities further developments of the center.

          Later, the Minister visited Kisan Ghar at Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir, the Minister was informed that first phase of the projected is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 6.67 crore. The Minister was informed that the 28 room project covers an area of 1900 square feet. He directed for preparing the DPR for second phase of the project and for completing the project within the set deadline. 

Mr. Bukhari directed the officers to synergize their efforts and asked them to hold regular meetings so that the requisite results are achieved and also to get necessary feedback about the status of work and implementation of various initiatives on the ground.