SRINAGAR: Representatives of fruit mandi associations from across Kashmir on Tuesday raised concerns regarding infrastructure and facilities in horticulture markets during a meeting with Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar in Srinagar.
The meeting, attended by officials of the Horticulture Department and Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (JKHPMC), focused on issues affecting the functioning of fruit mandis and the need to strengthen market infrastructure.
Representatives of the associations highlighted the requirement for improved facilities and basic infrastructure for fruit growers, traders and labourers associated with the horticulture sector.
Dar said the issues raised by the associations would be examined and directed concerned officials to coordinate with mandi representatives and address their concerns in a time-bound manner.
The minister stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure in fruit markets to facilitate trade and improve working conditions for stakeholders. He also called for identifying infrastructure gaps and addressing operational bottlenecks in horticulture mandis.
Highlighting the significance of the horticulture sector to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Dar said efforts were needed to improve market facilities and trade-related infrastructure to support growers and other stakeholders.
He also emphasised the need for regular interaction between the government and fruit mandi associations to ensure that issues affecting the sector are brought to the attention of the authorities and addressed promptly.
