The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Oct 8: J&K Bank has felicitated Jammu & Kashmir Fruits & Vegetables Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) President Bashir Ahmad Naik in recognition of his efforts towards strengthening agri-infrastructure and promoting rural economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The felicitation was presented by J&K Bank Divisional Head Arshad Ahmad Qadri, who acknowledged Naik’s proactive role in raising issues concerning the agricultural infrastructure sector, particularly the need for affordable institutional finance and reduction in interest rates under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
Under Naik’s leadership, JKPICCA has been advocating for a more affordable financing ecosystem for cold-chain, controlled-atmosphere storage and other agri-infrastructure projects. The association has maintained that the cost of borrowing has a direct bearing on the viability and sustainability of such projects.
The interaction also focused on strengthening farmers at the pre-harvest stage. Naik stressed that strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture economy requires interventions at both the pre- and post-harvest stages, with greater support reaching growers at the orchard level.
The association said efforts would be made to introduce new schemes focusing on pre-harvest activities, including modern orchard management, productivity enhancement, crop protection and other farmer-oriented interventions.
Speaking on the occasion, Naik expressed gratitude to J&K Bank for the recognition and said it would further strengthen his resolve to work for farmers, entrepreneurs and the wider rural economy.
“The farmer must remain at the centre of every agricultural policy, from pre-harvest to post-harvest,” Naik said.
JKPICCA appreciated J&K Bank and Qadri for recognising the association’s efforts and reiterated its commitment to working with financial institutions and the Government for strengthening agri-infrastructure, improving access to affordable finance and expanding support for farmers across Jammu and Kashmir.
