Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 17: Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri today said that the Fruit Mandis in the State would be developed on modern lines to facilitate the fruit traders and growers, adding that in this regard the necessary steps are being initiated.
This was stated by the Minister today during his visit to Fruit Mandi Narwal. He said that Rs 5 crore would be utilized for development of Narwal Fruit Mandi adding that it would be fully mechanized during this summer and the proposed project would include improvement in basic facilities.
The Minister said Mandi area would be expanded and the matter for transfer of 300 kanals of forest land to the Horticulture Marketing and Planning Department would be taken up with the concerned Ministry. He said a cold store would also be constructed for improving storage facilities and in this regard Government would consider the transfer of 8 kanals of HPMC land.
The Minister directed the concerned to ensure timely completion of two more fruit sheds, besides renovation and repair of gutted cold store. He directed for proper sanitation and early construction of shops in the Mandi.
Interacting with representatives of fruit associations and fruit growers, the Minister said that Government would focus on giving big boost to the horticulture in the State, adding that all necessary initiatives would be taken in this regard. He said horticulture is the mainstay of State’s economy as over 6 lakh families are dependent on this sector.
Mr Veeri assured the association that all their genuine demands would be met in phased manner.
Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing gave detailed resume of activities of the department.
Director Horticulture, Jammu, Managing Director HPMC and other senior officers of the concerned Departments were accompanied by the Minister during the tour.
Meanwhile, Mr Veeri today reviewed the progress on renovation works at Ziarat Shahdara Sharief at a meeting of officers.
The Minister directed the concerned to re-examine the existing project report and formulate a revised DPR so that the funds are arranged. He directed for submission of fresh DPR expeditiously for approval of funds by the Government so that the unfinished works could be completed well in time at the Shrine.
Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Special Officer, Auqaf, Abdul Sattar, Administrator Auqaf Rajouri, Members of Waqaf Council, Executive Engineer, R&B, Executive Engineer, Auqaf, besides other senior officers of concerned departments attended the meeting.
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