MONITORING DESK
SRINAGAR: A large-scale, modern fruit market is being set up in Kulgam district to benefit local fruit growers and traders, the Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, announced.
The upcoming mega fruit mandi will be developed over 300 kanals of land in the Aar Mohala area of Kulgam district. The process of transferring the land to the concerned department is currently underway, the Minister informed.
Dar made the remarks in response to a question from Legislator Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi in the Legislative Assembly, who had sought information regarding compensation for crop losses suffered by farmers.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to boost horticultural infrastructure, the Minister said that two Fruit and Vegetable Markets have already been established in Anantnag district**, at Batengo and **Jablipora.
Both markets are operational and adequately meet the marketing requirements of growers and traders in the region. Additionally, an “Apni Mandi” has been set up at Nunmai in Kulgam, which is presently under development.
Dar further stated that horticultural crop damage across Jammu and Kashmir has been assessed over 531.06 hectares. However, compensation under SDRF/NDRF norms applies only to losses exceeding 33 per cent, covering about 431.091 hectares.
In the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama, a total compensation of RNI 4.088 lakh has been disbursed to affected farmers, he added.
The Minister also informed the Assembly that Anantnag district houses a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage Unit with a capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes. He noted that CA storage facilities are established by private entrepreneurs, while the government provides financial assistance and subsidies to promote such ventures.
Most of these storage units, Dar said, are located at the Industrial Growth Centre, Lassipora (Pulwama), and the Industrial Estate, Aglar (Shopian). The government, in collaboration with the Industries and Commerce Department, is working toward setting up dedicated industrial estates focusing on horticulture and post-harvest management in other districts as well.
He concluded by emphasizing that regular awareness programs and seminars are being conducted in districts like Anantnag and Kulgam to educate fruit growers about the government’s incentives for cold storage, value addition, and post-harvest activities.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/punjab-cities-gasp-as-thick-smog-engulfs-lahore-dg-khan-and-kasur/
