The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Apr 18:
Jammu and Kashmir’s Agriculture and Horticulture Minister, Javaid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday held an urgent meeting with the management of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGU), where a comprehensive charter of demands concerning the horticulture sector was presented.
The delegation, comprising presidents of various fruit growers’ associations from across the Valley, was led by KVFGU Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer. The union highlighted several pressing issues affecting the horticulture industry and sought immediate government intervention.
Among the key demands raised were the implementation of a Crop Insurance Scheme for the horticulture sector on the lines of agriculture, re-introduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and issuance of licenses across fruit and vegetable markets in the Union Territory. The delegation also flagged concerns over the alleged unilateral practices of cold storage owners, delays in lease deed execution and shop allotments, and called for the constitution of a Horticulture Marketing Board.
Additionally, the growers demanded the establishment of a dedicated Horticulture Estate on the pattern of industrial estates, along with the development and upgradation of fruit mandis across the Valley.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all issues outlined in the memorandum would be addressed in the larger interest of the horticulture sector. He informed the members that the proposed Crop Insurance Scheme is currently under active consideration of the government and is likely to be implemented within one to one-and-a-half months.
During the meeting, representatives from various districts also raised mandi-specific issues related to infrastructure and development. The Minister assured that all such concerns would be examined and necessary steps taken to improve facilities across fruit and vegetable markets.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, with growers expressing optimism over timely government action on their demands.
