Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 6: In a significant decision, the State Government today announced to build cold storage facilities, on priority basis, at fruit terminal markets of Parimpora, Sopore and Narwal for proper storage and better marketing of the fruit produce.
The decision was taken at the 5th State Agriculture Marketing Board meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for Horticulture, Abdul Rehman Veeri.
The Board also gave nod to construction of a new fruit mandi on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for marketing of dry fruit and saffron. It also approved construction of Packing and Grading Centers at Fruit Mandis of Parimpora, Sopore and Jablipora.
In another significant move, the meeting decided to establish J&K Horticulture Produce and Marketing (JKHPMC) offices at Lakhanpur and on Mughal Road to record inflow and outflow of fruit and vegetables and create a database regarding actual import and export of agriculture and horticulture commodities in and out of the State.
The meeting also approved construction of Kissan Ghar at Rajbagh and Guest House at Parimpora terminal market.
The Board also approved construction of interpretation centers and plaza type gates in terminal Markets of Sopore, Parimpora and Narwal. Besides, it also decided to shift the traders of Fruit Mandi Ashajipora to Fruit Mandi Botingoo in district Anantnag.
The meeting also deliberated on issues like transfer of forest land for expansion of Narwal Fruit Mandi, enhancement of size of dry fruit shopsites at Fruit Mandi Kupwara and transfer of JKHPMC land to HPM at Fruit Mandi Sopore.
Speaking on the occasion, the Horticulture Minister said that Mufti led Government flagged top priority to the fruit industry in the State. He said innovative measures taken by the Government would boost the horticulture sector add to the GDP of the State.
He asked the concerned to furnish a comprehensive proposal envisaging innovative policies and programmes to make the department more vibrant. He also called for reaping the benefits of various centrally sponsored schemes for strengthening and expanding the horticulture industry, so that the benefits of the scheme reach the needy.
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