Srinagar: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a review meeting to assess the functioning of agricultural mandis and Kissan Ghars operating within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Minister undertook a detailed review of the facilities available at Kissan Ghars, their occupancy levels, services being provided to farmers and the operational challenges being faced. He emphasized that Kissan Ghars constitute an important support mechanism for the farming community by offering affordable accommodation and essential services to farmers travelling for official work, training programmes and market linkage activities.
Highlighting the need for improved infrastructure, Javid Dar directed the concerned officers to undertake immediate renovation and upgradation of the Kissan Ghars located in New Delhi and Kolkata. He said these facilities should provide better accommodation and essential amenities to farmers visiting the centres for trade and marketing-related activities.
The Minister observed that Kissan Ghars play a crucial role in supporting farmers by providing affordable lodging and logistical assistance during the marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce. Strengthening these facilities, he said, would improve farmers’ access to national markets and enhance their overall trading experience.
Reviewing the functioning of agricultural mandis, Javid Dar directed officials to carry out a comprehensive verification of shop allotments to ensure that allottees are utilizing the premises strictly according to prescribed norms and guidelines. He stressed that any misuse of public assets or deviation from the intended purpose of allotments should be identified and addressed promptly.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure, the Minister said sustained efforts are underway to develop and modernize mandis across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch, Akhnoor and Jammu, with the aim of providing farmers improved market access and better trading opportunities.
Calling for the protection and optimal utilization of public assets, Javid Dar directed the concerned departments to establish an effective monitoring mechanism for safeguarding government properties and ensuring that these assets are utilized exclusively for the welfare of the farming community.
The Minister also sought a comprehensive long-term plan for the decongestion and modernization of the Sopore Fruit Mandi, aimed at improving operational efficiency, streamlining trade activities and creating better facilities for growers and traders.
He underscored the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to strengthen agricultural marketing infrastructure and create a robust ecosystem that supports farmers from production to marketing.
The meeting was attended by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Director Horticulture (Planning & Marketing), Jammu and Kashmir; Mohammad Farooq Ahmad, Managing Director of the J&K Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation; the President of the Sopore Fruit Growers Mandi, and other senior officers of the concerned departments.
