Srinagar: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative & Election, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Tuesday convened a high-level review meeting with Presidents and office bearers of Fruit Associations from Kashmir Division at the Directorate of Horticulture Planning and Marketing.
Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Gh. Jeelani Zargar (JKAS), along with senior officers of the department, presented a detailed overview of ongoing initiatives, highlighting measures for post-harvest management, better market linkages, and enhanced marketing efficiency across Jammu and Kashmir.
Stakeholders raised pressing concerns, including the demand for more Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, standardized packing material, hassle-free truck movement along highways, establishment of processing units, effective crop insurance, strengthening of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), promotion of e-NAM trading, and improved mandi operations.
The Minister assured growers and traders of timely redressal, stressing that issues beyond the Ministry’s scope will be taken up with higher authorities. He urged stakeholders to adopt modern, high-tech practices to boost J&K’s horticulture economy, moving beyond traditional methods.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with a collective pledge to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and growth in the Union Territory’s horticulture sector.
