SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, today said that a mega fruit mandi at Aar Mohala, Kulgam, on 300 kanals is being established, and the transfer of land in favour of the department is in process.
The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Legislator Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, regarding compensation for crop losses to farmers in the Legislative Assembly today.
He said that the department has already established two Fruit and Vegetable Markets in the district Anantnag, at Batengo and at Jablipora, which are functional and adequately cater to the marketing needs of the growers and traders of the entire district. He also added that in the Kulgam district, one mandi, namely Apni Mandi, has been established at Nunmai, which is at a developmental stage.
The Minister further informed that damages to Horticulture crops in J&K has been assessed over an area of 531.06 ha, however, as per SDRF/NDRF norms compensation is admissible only for crop losses exceeding 33% which accounts for an area of 431.091 ha.
He also added that in south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama, a total compensation Rs 4.088 lakh has been paid.
The Minister further informed the house that there is one C.A. Storage Unit with a capacity of 5000 MT in Anantnag district.
He said that CA stores are established by private entrepreneurs and the Government provides a subsidy for the same. He added that the assistance is open to any entrepreneur who is willing to apply as per the norms and procedures.
The Minister also informed that most CA stores are located in the Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora, Pulwama, and the Industrial Estate at Aglar, Shopian, while as efforts are underway with the Industries and Commerce Department to establish sector-specific industrial estates for horticulture and post-harvest management in other districts.
He added that continuous awareness programs and seminars are organized in all districts including Anantnag and Kulgam, to create awareness among the fruit growers about available incentives for cold storage and other post-harvest related activities.
Legislators Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and Showkat Ahmad Ganie raised supplementary questions on the subject.
