The Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Market, a cornerstone of Jammu’s agricultural economy, finds itself at a crossroads. With the lease terms for 165 shops either expired or nearing expiration, the future of this vital trading hub hangs in uncertainty. Despite the market’s crucial role in supporting hundreds of families and bolstering the regional supply chain, Government indecision continues to leave traders in limbo. Established in the early 1980s by the JDA, the market has evolved into a bustling centre of commerce. However, in 2008-09, administrative control was handed over to the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department while JDA retained land ownership. This duality in control has led to bureaucratic delays, with traders caught in the crossfire. A high-level meeting in May 2024 offered a glimmer of hope, recommending lease extensions in consultation with the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Yet, nearly a year later, there is still no definitive action. The silence is deafening for the traders whose livelihoods depend on clarity and continuity.
The stakes are too high for traders. Without valid leases, shop owners are unable to secure loans, access Government schemes, or make essential upgrades to their establishments. This stagnation not only affects individual businesses but also weakens the broader agricultural economy of the region. Investment, growth, and employment remain stifled under the weight of this prolonged uncertainty. The Government must act decisively. The original lease deeds allow for renewal-a provision that should be honoured, especially for traders who have served the market and the local population for decades. Delaying further only fuels anxiety and fosters mistrust in administrative processes. What’s needed now is not just a statement of intent but a clear, time-bound roadmap for lease renewal. Authorities must streamline inter-departmental coordination, eliminate red tape, and communicate transparently with the stakeholders involved. Jammu’s Narwal Market is more than just a commercial space-it is a lifeline for hundreds of families and a vital artery in the region’s food supply chain. The Government must acknowledge this and resolve the lease issue without further delay.