Jammu, Feb 4: The Minister for Agricultural Production and Rural Development, Javed Ahmad Dar, reiterated the government’s strong commitment to enhancing the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the welfare of fruit growers and traders.
Chairing a meeting with members of the Jammu Fruit Traders Association at Fruit Mandi Narwal, the Minister discussed key challenges faced by fruit traders and explored strategies to strengthen the horticulture industry.
He underscored the sector’s crucial role in J&K’s economy, stating that nearly 70 to 80 percent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on horticulture. “Thousands rely on this industry for their livelihood, and the government is committed to addressing their challenges through targeted welfare initiatives to ensure sustainable growth,” he said.
Acknowledging the need for additional storage facilities for apple produce, especially during peak seasons, the Minister instructed the concerned authorities to identify suitable land to meet this requirement promptly.
A delegation from the Fruit Traders Association, led by President Parveen Kumar, presented a list of key demands, including the extension of existing leases, implementation of strict quality checks on imported fruits to protect local growers, improved grading facilities for dry fruits like walnuts, and enhanced marketing infrastructure to boost competitiveness.
The Minister assured the association members that their concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders to create a thriving horticulture ecosystem.
During his visit to the Fruit Mandi, Narwal, he reviewed the facilities available to traders and assured them of the government’s full support in resolving their issues. The meeting was also attended by senior officials, including the Director of Horticulture Jammu and the Director of Horticulture Planning and Marketing.
