Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Bukhari today visited the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, Azadpur and inspected the Jammu and Kashmir Government shopping complex.The Minister also interacted with Kashmiri Apple Merchants Association (KAMA) at Pitampura and various issues were discussed pertaining to the overall welfare of the fruit industry in the State.The office-bearers of the All Valley Fruit Growers Association informed the Minister of the trade related problems like transport, arrangement of loading and unloading and excessive charges being deducted from the sale proceeds of the farmers.
The Minister said the State Government is making all out efforts to boost fruit and vegetable sector, as Horticulture is one of the primary contributors to the state economy and provides employment to the large chunk of population. He also called upon the officers to motivate the growers and traders to ensure quality of fruit in the market with a focus on maintaining the credibility of state’s production. He also called for organizing exhibitions, fairs and buyer- seller meet for promotion of the Horticulture trade.The Minister also visited and inspected the Kisan Ghar at Shalamar Bagh. He ordered face-lifting and renovation of the Kisan Ghar building and replacement of furniture and fixtures on priority. He also stressed on maintenance of hygiene in and around the premises, plantation of fruit trees.Among other officers of Horticulture Department, including Secretary Horticulture, M H Malik, Director Horticulture and OSD were also present.