Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today reviewed the current status and future development roadmap of Sopore Fruit Mandi during a meeting held at Baramulla.
The meeting was convened in pursuance of directions issued during the District Development Board meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. It emphasised on preparing a holistic plan for modernization of the Sopore Fruit Mandi and augmentation of facilities. Today’s meeting was chaired by the Minister, during which a detailed and threadbare review was held with the concerned officers and stakeholders.
While reviewing the progress, the Minister noted that Sopore Fruit Mandi, recognized as Asia’s second-largest fruit market after Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, occupies a pivotal position in Jammu & Kashmir’s horticulture-driven economy. The focus, he emphasized, is on systematic infrastructure upgradation, improved facilities and operational efficiency, rather than mere expansion in size.
During the meeting, key issues including the need for additional parking space, requirement of land for truck yard, solid waste management, establishment of facilities such as a medical dispensary and labour sarai and widening of the main approach road to the mandi were discussed in detail.
The Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, to prepare and submit a comprehensive, holistic modernization proposal in light of the deliberations for appropriate decision at the Government level.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards strengthening the agricultural marketing infrastructure, the Minister said that modern, transparent and efficient market systems will significantly benefit the farmers and traders alike. He also directed that impetus should be given on development of cold storage facilities, hi-tech grading lines, portable graders to strengthen the supply chain from “farm to market,” minimize post-harvest losses and ensure better returns to growers connected to the Mandi.
The meeting was attended by Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Sopore, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, senior officers from the Agriculture Production Department and allied sectors and officers of the district administration.