SRINAGAR: A Joint Inspection Team (JIT) headed by the Director Horticulture Kashmir, G.R. MIR, visited Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar districts during the last three days and inspected seven post-harvest units which include 04 CA Stores, 02 Food Processing units and a ripening Chamber.
The facilities are located at IGC Lassipora, Pulwama, Aglar Shpian, Industrial Estate Khanmoh, Srinagar and a private facility Anantnag.
Speaking on the occasion Director said that Department is committed to strengthening the post-harvest infrastructure in the valley and is exploring every possible opportunity to have infrastructures like CA stores, and processing units developed across the Valley so that the best services are provided to the farming community.
He enjoined upon the entrepreneurs to come forward and invest to set up the CA Stores and other post-harvest units so that a solid post-harvest management chain is developed.
He added that the department is committed to providing every possible assistance in setting up such facilities.
He further said that improved post-harvest infrastructure like CA Stores will help in keeping the Kashmiri apple in the market round the year and farmers will get good returns for their produce.
He added that switching over to Hi-Density Plantation will be more effective if we have an optimum post-harvest infrastructure. While interacting with the CA Stores owners and other entrepreneurs, he impressed upon them to create grower friendly atmosphere and urged them to provide quality services to the public in general and farmers in particular.
During these inspections he was accompanied by Joint Director Horticulture Kashmir, CCI, Srinagar, Chief Horticulture Officer concerned, Ex. Engineer Mechanical, Anantnag, Ex. Engineer Horticulture Planning and Marketing, a representative from SKUAST-K, Tehsildars of the concerned area, and representatives from financial institutions.
Director also inspected Centre of Excellence Zawoora, Fruit Plant Nursery Bijbehara, and Fruit Plant Nursery Ketritang and took stock of ongoing works.
