New cold storage facility brings hope for apple growers in Sopore

Workers busy in packing apples at a cold storage facility in Industrial Estate, Sopore in North Kashmir Baramulla. Excelsior/Aabid Nabi

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 7: Following losses last year, a new cold storage facility built with government assistance at the Industrial Estate Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is giving local growers hope.

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The facility, located in the industrial estate Sopore at Doabgah, allows farmers to preserve and store their crops for longer periods of time, allowing them to get better prices for their produce. The facility is a much-needed boost for farmers who have struggled in recent years due to a lack of proper storage facilities.
The facility has a capacity of 2000 metric tonnes and a modern grading and packing line with an average capacity of 5 metric tonnes per hour.
The government’s decision to assist in the establishment of this facility has been widely welcomed by growers, who see it as a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The facility’s modern technology and efficient management are expected to bring substantial benefits to farmers in the region. “This facility is a game-changer for us farmers. We no longer have to worry about losing our crops due to the lack of proper storage facilities. We can now preserve our crops for longer periods and get better prices for our produce,” said a grower.
Project coordinator, Mohsin Ahmad, said the facility has a 200 metric-ton capacity and a cutting-edge packing and labeling line.
“We send two to three truckloads per day, and the district administration is helpful, and the rules and regulations are helpful and transparent.
Those who want to do good work are supported by the administration and the government also gives us additional aid,” he explained.
He added that the new cold storage facility is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed.
“The facility is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of local farmers, helping them to secure better prices for their crops and ensuring their livelihoods for years to come,” he said.