SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Bank has felicitated Bashir Ahmad Naik, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), for his efforts to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and rural economic development.
The felicitation was presented by J&K Bank Divisional Head Arshad Ahmad Qadri in recognition of Naik’s advocacy for the agricultural infrastructure sector, particularly his demand for lower interest rates under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (Agri-Infra).
According to JKPICCA, Naik has been raising concerns over the cost of institutional borrowing, which it says affects the financial viability of cold-chain facilities, controlled-atmosphere storage units and other agricultural infrastructure projects.
Discussions also focused on the need to strengthen support for farmers at the pre-harvest stage. Naik emphasised that improving the horticulture economy required interventions at the orchard level alongside investments in post-harvest infrastructure.
He called for the introduction of schemes covering modern orchard management, productivity enhancement, crop protection and other farmer-oriented measures.
Naik thanked J&K Bank for the recognition and said he would continue working for farmers, entrepreneurs and the rural economy. He stressed that agricultural policies should prioritise farmers throughout the production chain, from pre-harvest activities to post-harvest management.
JKPICCA said it would continue engaging with financial institutions and the government to seek affordable financing, stronger agricultural infrastructure and greater support for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
