Excelsior Correspondent
BIJBEHARA, Apr 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a state-of-the-art Fruit & Vegetable Processing Centre at the International Fruit Market in Jablipora, Anantnag.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Dheeraj Gupta besides other legislators, senior officers and officials.
The fruit market has been established at an estimated cost of Rs 4.30 crore under the CAPEX budget, with the objective of strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and enhancing value addition for horticultural produce in the area. The project has been executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the establishment of such modern infrastructure would go a long way in reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better returns for farmers. He added that the Government is focused on building a robust value chain in the horticulture sector, enabling local produce to compete in national and international markets.
Designed as a comprehensive facility, the centre is equipped with a range of modern components aimed at minimizing losses and improving product quality. It comprises a Fruit and Vegetable (F&V) canning and packaging unit, a dedicated pack house for sorting and grading, a mushroom processing unit, and a tomato puree manufacturing facility.
In addition, the centre includes a high-capacity fruit drying unit with a processing capability of 400–500 kg per hour, a 20 metric tonne freezing chamber, and advanced packaging and storage facilities. These components are expected to significantly enhance processing capacity, extend shelf life, and open new market avenues for local growers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited various stalls set up by departments of agriculture and allied sectors, where he interacted with progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and self-help groups.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister inaugurated Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar, the Spring Festival on the occasion of Baisakhi, at Jablipora in Anantnag.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister described spring as a symbol of renewal and hope, stating that the festival represents not just a seasonal transition but also a new phase of development and governance in Jammu & Kashmir.
“We always celebrate the arrival of spring because spring is a new beginning for us. These spring celebrations are not only to celebrate the beginning of this year’s spring, but also to remind people that after the arrival of our government, there was not only an effort, but a path was made. There is a new spring, a new beginning,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, the Chief Minister said focused efforts are being made to boost farmers’ incomes and build a sustainable, self-reliant agriculture sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chief Minister highlighted a series of transformative and forward-looking initiatives undertaken by his government in the agriculture and allied sectors, describing them as pivotal to reshaping the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the immense potential of South Kashmir, the Chief Minister remarked that the region is richly endowed with fertile land and a favourable climate, making it ideal for both agriculture and tourism. He said that South Kashmir offers a unique blend of natural beauty and agricultural diversity, which can be effectively leveraged to promote agro-tourism. From the mesmerizing lavender or purple bloom to the vibrant mustard fields and lush green paddy landscapes during summer, the region presents a visual and experiential delight for visitors. He emphasized that such initiatives can create new livelihood opportunities for local communities while simultaneously showcasing the region’s rich agrarian heritage to the world.
Minister for Health & Medical Education, Higher Education & Social Welfare, Sakeena Masood Itoo; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; and MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, along with several other legislators, senior officers and officials, were present on the occasion.
The event, organized under the aegis of the Agriculture Production Department, J&K, aimed at promoting agro-tourism and showcasing the region’s rich horticultural potential.
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