New Delhi: Javid Ahmad Dar on Monday visited Kissan Ghar and J&K Agro cold storage facilities in New Delhi and reviewed the progress of ongoing works and functioning of the facilities.
The Minister was accompanied by Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation, Mohammad Farooq Ahmad, along with other senior officers.
During the visit, Javid Dar inspected the ongoing construction of a Common Facility Centre being developed under the Additional Market Development project with financial assistance from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Officials informed the Minister that the project is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹1986.57 lakh and is aimed at strengthening post-harvest management and marketing support for horticulture produce from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister was informed that the new cold storage facility will have a capacity of 3,800 metric tonnes and will include 10 multi-purpose chambers equipped with advanced insulation systems, besides five deep-freeze chambers with dual temperature options for preservation of perishable produce.
Javid Dar also reviewed the upgraded existing cold storage infrastructure having a capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes, originally constructed in 1976 and presently being modernised under a NABARD-funded project costing ₹1024.34 lakh.
Emphasising the importance of modern storage and marketing infrastructure, the Minister said such facilities are crucial for improving farmers’ returns and reducing post-harvest losses in the horticulture sector.
Later, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction work on an additional block at Kissan Ghar and directed officials to expedite the project for timely completion.
He also urged officers to ensure all possible support and best services for residents and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir staying at the facility.
