In a major step towards strengthening the Horticulture infrastructure in North Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today visited the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi Sopore and inaugurated the long awaited macadamization work on the Mandi premises.
The macadamization project, being executed by the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department at an estimated cost of Rs 117.63 lakh, aims to improve transportation and trading conditions for the fruit growers and dealers.
This development fulfills a long pending demand of the fruit growers of North Kashmir. While speaking to the media, the Minister said that the government is committed towards creating a comprehensive and grower friendly environment in the Mandi.
“Along with road improvement, we are also working to enhance the facilities for the labourers, including construction of a Labour Sarai and other essential amenities to support their welfare, he added”.
He announced that a Mega Kisan Mela will be organized soon at Sopore Mandi to promote awareness, showcase innovations in the horticulture sector and connect the growers with new market opportunities.
In terms of security and infrastructure, Javid Dar said that additional CCTV cameras and high mast lights will soon be installed across the Mandi premises to ensure better surveillance, safety and night time functioning.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar; Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing; Director Animal Husbandry and Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore. The team inspected ongoing works and interacted with various stakeholders at the Mandi.
Later, the Minister visited Achabal Sopore and inspected the newly constructed New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) building. He directed the concerned executing agency to expedite the formal handover of the facility to the Health Department so that it can be made operational at the earliest.
Javid Dar stressed the need for timely completion and effective utilization of public assets, saying that projects must translate into services without delay for benefit of the people.