Cold storage facility to all Mandis in JK

Contact: ajmeralam2000@gmail.com/ Cell.No- 9906103001

*Minister for promoting horticulture sector on modern lines
*Sector has tremendous scope
*Helped to keep the economy of the state alive
*Fruit mandi at Chrar-i-Sharief inaugurated
*Fire station would be constructed

The Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture sector would be promoted on modern lines and adequate funds provided to give major boost to the state economy, This was stated by Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather adding that the sector has tremendous scope and has helped to keep the economy of the state alive even during odd times.
The Minister accompanied by Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today inaugurated fruit mandi at Chrar-i-Sharief spread over 48 kanals of land.
The Minister said that almost every soul in the area is connected with the industry and the mandi would provide better facility to the fruit growers to supply their fruit to other mandis of the state and outside. He said that the establishment of mandi at Chrar-i-Sharief was his cherished dream, which has come true today.
Rather said although there was the resource constraint but the government has approached to NABARD for providing assistance so that the major sectors including horticulture sector of the state is developed. He said that another 20 kanals of land would be arranged for the mandi to make it one of the biggest mandis of the state where lot of fruit could be stored for supply to other states. He said besides this a banking facilities for the growers and dealers would also be provided at the site.
Referring to the storage facilities, the Minister said that Control Atmosphere Store (CAS) would also be provided to all the mandis so that the fruit is preserved for longer times and its flavour maintained.
The Minister said that the government is open to private sector which can provide latest expertise and the youth coming forward to set up units for the purpose would be encouraged.
Referring to the construction work going on at Khanka Chrar-i-Sharief, the Minister said that the works of the project would be expedited and completed soon. He said the mecadamization of all road links of the town which is underway would also be speeded up. He said that the tourist destination of Yousmarg would be developed with latest state- of- the art facilities and adding that for the beautification of the area planned infrastructure rather than haphazard construction are needed to make it a model tourist resort.
Regarding the works taken up by the government in the area the Minister said that every thing could not be completed within just 7 months and said that pattern of NC and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah has assured that a fire station would be constructed in the area and has announced an assistance of Rs 25 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma said that the Centre has given liberal assistance for flagship programmes which includes horticulture technology mission. He said the state has suffered a lot during the last 20 years of militancy and the time has come to restore the original shape of sector and give it new impetus.
However, he said that there is dire need for setting up of cold storage facility centres in the state as these could preserve the fruit for longer times.
He insisted for introducing multi-crop system in the state so that the farmers could get benefited more and thereby economy given more Philip.
The Ministers later witnessed the draw of lots whereby shops were distributed among the people who had applied for constructing shops at the mandi.
Among others the function was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Rafiq Ahmad, Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, A.R Kuchay, besides a large number of senior citizens of the area.