Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 31: Director Horticulture (P&M), as part of his initiative to know the ground level difficulties and issues of Horticulture industry in the valley, reached out to the growers of Sopore and Baramulla today.
During his interaction at Asia’s second big fruit Mandi Sopore, the Director assured a full fledged support from the department in making the Mandi more grower, trader and buyer- friendly.
He had a detailed discussion regarding issues and difficulties with the Fruit Association members and growers of the apple town. During discussion, the Association members and growers raised some important issues which they wanted the department to tackle at the earliest.
Director instructed the engineering wing of the department to take up the development of Baghi-Sundri Road in order to ease out the access to the Mandi. He further asked for the immediate renovation of the Kissan Ghar in the Mandi as the fruit season was about to begin.
He directed the Executive Engineer PHE to ensure supply of atleast one water tanker to Mandi during the peak season till the water supply scheme is completed.
Director assured full support in the establishment of a cold store in the Mandi. He assured them that the matter will be positively considered by the department and simultaneously the matter shall be taken up higher authorities. He, however, stressed on the fact that such a big Mandi should have a Cold store for the benefit of apple growers.
Later, Director visited the Baramulla Mandi where he also deliberated upon a number of issues raised over there by growers and fruit Association members. He took a strong note of the issue where the people get shops in Fruit Mandis allotted and then don’t construct shops as per the lease deeds.
He directed the officials of the department to cancel the lease deeds of such allottees who don’t start their business in Mandis. The Director said that all those shops whose lease deeds get cancelled will be allotted to other aspiring growers/traders.
On Mandi connectivity with the rail, Director said that he would take up the matter with the Railway authorities of connecting the railway track with the Mandi for the better and easy transportation of fruit.
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