BARAMULLA/KUPWARA: Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday laid foundation stones and inaugurated a series of development projects worth over ₹66 crore in Baramulla’s Rafiabad constituency before reviewing infrastructure and marketing issues at Handwara Fruit Mandi in Kupwara district.
The projects launched in Rafiabad span education, veterinary services, livestock development and road connectivity sectors and are aimed at improving public infrastructure and services in rural areas.
At Watergam, Dar laid the foundation stone for an Engineering Complex to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹60 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for an Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) Laboratory at Chijhama, Rafiabad, intended to strengthen livestock breeding and development infrastructure.
At Shultoo, Rohama, the minister inaugurated the upgraded Veterinary Building, including fencing, completed at a cost of ₹29 lakh. The facility is expected to improve veterinary services for livestock farmers in the area.
Dar also laid the foundation stone for a 10-room double-storey building at Higher Secondary School Shultoo at an estimated cost of ₹2.74 crore and for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer laboratories at Boys Higher Secondary School Shultoo at a cost of ₹72 lakh.
In the road sector, he inaugurated the first and second kilometre stretch of the Brandub-Khahmoh Road, completed at a cost of ₹1.70 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for the permanent restoration of the Vohlutra-Shultoo-Arkhurwari Road at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore.
According to an official statement, the minister directed executing agencies to ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining quality standards.
Later, Dar visited Handwara Fruit Mandi to assess its functioning and review facilities available to fruit growers, traders and other stakeholders associated with the horticulture sector.
Member of Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad accompanied him during the visit.
The minister interacted with representatives of fruit growers, traders and the Mandi Association, who highlighted issues related to infrastructure, transportation, marketing arrangements and other facilities required for smoother trade operations and better returns for growers.
Dar sought suggestions for improving the mandi’s functioning and strengthening its marketing system. He assured stakeholders that the concerns raised during the interaction would be examined and addressed on priority in coordination with the concerned departments.
He said strengthening horticulture infrastructure and streamlining marketing mechanisms were important for improving post-harvest management and supporting the growth of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
Senior officials of the horticulture, agriculture and marketing departments, along with representatives of growers’ and traders’ associations, were present during the visit.