Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative & Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a consultative meeting with Presidents and office bearers of Fruit & Vegetable Market Associations of Kashmir Division at the Directorate of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, J&K, to review and address key issues pertaining to the horticulture sector.

Director, Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Gh. Jeelani Zargar, along with senior officers of the department, presented an overview of the ongoing activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening post-harvest management, improving market linkages, and enhancing efficiency in the marketing of horticultural produce.

During the interaction, stakeholders raised issues including the need for additional Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, availability and standardization of packaging material, smoother transport along the National Highway and Mughal Road, establishment of processing units, crop insurance coverage, strengthening of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), promotion of e-NAM trading, and improved functioning of mandis.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns and assured that necessary steps would be taken for their resolution. He emphasized the adoption of modern and high-tech practices in horticulture to boost the economy of J&K.

Javid Dar reiterated the Government’s commitment to collaborative efforts to optimize the potential of the horticulture sector.