ANANTNAG, SEPTEMBER 29: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, today visited the Jablipora Fruit Mandi and reviewed the facilities and arrangements put in place for fruit growers, traders, transporters and other stakeholders during the ongoing harvesting and marketing season.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected various facilities and operational arrangements at the fruit mandi and interacted with fruit growers, traders, transporters and representatives of trade associations. He took feedback from the stakeholders regarding the issues being faced by them and sought details about the measures being taken to ensure smooth and efficient handling of the ongoing fruit season.
Highlighting the importance of horticulture to the district’s economy, the DC said that horticulture is one of the key pillars and a backbone of the local economy, providing livelihood and employment opportunities to a large section of the population. He stressed the need for coordinated and sustained efforts to further streamline the horticulture sector and ensure that all necessary facilities and services remain readily available to growers, traders and other stakeholders.
The DC emphasized the importance of strengthening the entire horticulture value chain, from harvesting and transportation to marketing and exports, so that growers receive timely support and their produce is handled and marketed efficiently. He also called for close coordination among the concerned departments and stakeholders to address bottlenecks and facilitate the smooth movement and marketing of fruit.
The Area Marketing Officer briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the functioning of the mandi and the arrangements made for handling the ongoing fruit season. Representatives of Transport Associations and Trade Associations apprised the DC of various demands and issues concerning transportation, trade and other allied matters.
The Deputy Commissioner gave directions to the concerned officers to ensure proper management of the mandi and maintain adequate basic amenities and essential services for growers, traders and visitors. He stressed that all identified issues should be examined promptly and genuine concerns of stakeholders addressed in a time-bound manner.
The DC further directed the concerned departments to maintain effective coordination during the peak harvesting and marketing period and ensure that the facilities required for smooth loading, transportation, trading and marketing of fruit remain functional. He underscored the need for a responsive and stakeholder-oriented approach to facilitate growers and strengthen the district’s horticulture economy.
ADC Anantnag, ACR Anantnag, SDM Bijbehara, ARTO, Assistant Commissioner Labour, Tehsildar, SDPO Bijbehara and Chief Horticulture Officer Anantnag, besides other concerned officers and officials, were present during the visit.
