Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr G N Itoo, accompanied by various concerned officers, today, visited Fruit Manndi Sopore where he convened a meeting with the fruit growers/merchants and discussed various measures taken by the district administration during ensuing horticulture season.The meeting was aimed to put in place a viable and proper mechanism so that flow of horticulture products is not affected due to present situation that arised due to pandemic COVID-19.On the occasion, the fruit growers, headed by President, appraised the DC about various issues and demanded timely initiation of horticultural activities in the manndi. He demanded that a proper mechanism should be formulated so that fruits are exported to other markets of the country in a hassle free manner.The President demanded regulation of rate and quality on pesticides/fertilizers, repairing of vital roads leading to the manndi, installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of medical team in the manndi for thermal screening, providing drinking water supply besides highlighting other issues of vital public importance.DC assured that every possible step will be taken by the district administration to restore horticultural activities in the district. He said that the matter of exporting fruits outside the J&K will be taken up with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir so that the issue is redressed at an earliest. He further said that drivers coming from outside the J&K should be properly screened before they enter the manndi.Dr Itoo urged them to follow all the requisite health advisories especially maintaining social distancing and using of face masks so that the risk of infection is checked.Meanwhile, DC directed the Enforcement wing of Horticulture Department to ensure strict vigil on sale of spurious pesticides in the market. He also directed other concerned agencies to ensure infrastructure development in the manndi which includes repairing of roads, water supply etc.Later, the DC accompanied by ADC Sopore and other concerned functionaries inspected the Purho Nallah located at Nowpora Sopore which was damaged due to landslide.