Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah, Sunil Bhutyal today gave away ice-boxes to local fishermen under “Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP). The initiative aims to connect fishermen directly from the field to markets, ensuring safe handling of fish and the supply of hygienic fish to consumers.

The distribution of ice-boxes will significantly strengthen post-harvest management by helping fishermen preserve the freshness and quality of fish during storage and transportation. This facility is expected to reduce spoilage, improve shelf life and enhance the market value of fish, thereby benefiting both producers and consumers.

The scheme primarily focuses on empowering vulnerable fisher folk and fisherwomen by providing essential equipment to improve preservation, transportation and marketing practices. By facilitating better market access and reducing post-harvest losses, the initiative supports income enhancement and sustainable livelihoods in the fisheries sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the ADC highlighted the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and modernization of agriculture and allied sectors.