Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla, Friday laid foundation of Fruit and Vegetable Mandi at Khansahab in Budgam district. Spread over 9.5 kanals, the Mindi would be competed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.60 crore.The Mandi shall cater to Khansahab, Budgam and Khaag blocks besides covering a catchment area of Watrihal, Arizal, Kremshore and Khansahab.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the role of Horticulture Industry in generating employment, overall development and improvement of socio economic status of the farmer community of Kashmiri Valley. He said Khansahab Mandi will be expanded further up to 40 kanals with residential facilities and directed the Deputy Commissioner to identify land for the purpose.
Bhalla said the revolutionary measures taken by the Horticulture Department ensured the promotion and persifying the horticulture activities in the states’ adding that Fruit Mandi at Sopore and Jablipora were inaugurated recently in line with the horticulture mission. He said a walnut processing Centre at Qazigund worth 2 crore with high tech machinery was inaugurated yesterday was aimed to give marketing facilities to the fruit growers of the area.MLA Khansahab, Mr Hakim Yasin while addressing of the occasion that Khansahab is playing a major role in horticulture sector of the State. He said appropriate measures are needed to be taken to improve the quality and quantity of fruits besides reducing role of middle men for better returns and benefits to the fruit growers.Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, J&K, Showkat Ahmad Zargar, Director Horticulture, Sonam Narbu, Managing Director JKPHMC, Syed Rafiq, Managing Director J&K Housing Board, Ram Paul besides other senior officers were present on the occasion.