JKPICCA felicitates office bearers at grand ceremony at Srinagar

By
Ziraat Times
-

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) today hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honor its outgoing and incoming office bearers. The event witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries, horticulture sector stakeholders, media representatives, civil society members, and industry leaders.

Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javaid Ahmad Dar, presided as the Chief Guest, while Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, served as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included Members of the Legislative Assembly Farooq Ahmad Shah (MLA Tangmarg),  Showkat Ganai (MLA Wachi), Riyaz Bedar (MLA Pattan), and  Ghulam Mohiddin Mir (MLA Rajpora).

The ceremony commenced with an overview of the recently concluded election process. The outgoing President, Maajid Aslam Wafai, was lauded for his remarkable contributions to the sector. The Minister presented the certificate of election to the newly elected President, Bashir Ahmad Naik.

The Minister said that about 70-80 percent of population is associated with  the horticulture sector which plays a vital role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to J&K’s GDP. He maintained that the government strives to empower growers through various initiatives including increasing the area under horticulture crops, rejuvenation of old orchards,  enhancing productivity and yield, plant protection measures, safeguarding crops from diseases and pests, strengthening of irrigation infrastructure, farm mechanization introducing advanced technology and techniques.
Javid Dar also addressed key issues affecting the sector, such as market access, transportation, import regulations, quality crop distribution, post-harvest management, preserving traditional farming practices, and availability of quality pesticides. He said that all concerns pertaining to the horticultural sector are under consideration for a phased resolution.
The Minister said that the government’s efforts will further solidify Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality horticultural products, including apples, walnuts and other fruits. By supporting the horticulture sector, the government aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s economic growth, he added.
Highlighting the need for innovation, Javid Dar highlighted government’s plan of introducing new technologies and schemes aimed at supporting progressive farmers.
Stating that the horticulture sector has huge potential for employment generation and sustainable economic growth of people, he said that efforts are on to integrate new technology into the sector and introduce schemes that can benefit farmers and increase production.
The Minister also assured that all stakeholders in the horticulture sector would be consulted and involved in decision-making processes to ensure collective progress.
Felicitating the new office bearers of JKPICCA including it’s new President Bashir Ahmad Naik, the Minister extended greetings to them and urged upon them for making the association more vibrant for progressive farming growth and better economic prospects.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, who also spoke as a guest of honour, asserted on regulation of post harvest management and seamless functioning of cold chain storage for flourishing of horticulture sector.

Key highlights of the event include:

1. Discussion on sectoral issues:
Critical challenges facing the horticulture sector were deliberated, including ensuring the smooth transit of fruit-laden trucks on national highways and encouraging sustainable cultivation with reduced chemical inputs.
2. Position Paper Release
A position paper titled “Horticulture in J&K” was unveiled by the dignitaries. The document highlights  the sector’s economic significance and outlines strategic recommendations for sustainable growth.
3. Policy and Advisory Committee Proposal Nasir Aslam Wani proposed forming a dedicated advisory committee to include all stakeholders for comprehensive policy development.
4. Government’s Commitment
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing sectoral challenges and announced plans to organize a stakeholder workshop for actionable resolutions.
5. Memorandum Submission
JKPICCA submitted a detailed memorandum to the  Minister highlighting pressing sectoral challenges requiring urgent attention.

Incoming President’s Address

In his inaugural speech, Bashir Ahmad Naik expressed gratitude to all attendees and pledged collaborative efforts to advance the horticulture sector. He also acknowledged his predecessor, Maajid Aslam Wafai, for creating a strong foundation for growth and innovation.

Special Guests and Panelists

The event featured valuable insights from special guests, including Director Horticulture Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Director Handicrafts  Mehmood Ahmad Shah, who explored opportunities for sustainable development and cross-sector synergies.

Other notable attendees included:

Javid Tenga (President, KCCI)
Basheer Ahmad Bashir (President, KVFGA)
Shahid Kamili (FCIK Advisory Committee)

Arjimand Hussain (Founder Ziraat Times)

Mohammad Ashraf Mir (President, Fruit Mandi Shopian)

Fayaz Ahmad (President, Fruit Mandi Sopore)

Representatives from various fruit mandis, media figures, and civil society members, such as Nazir Masoodi, Masood Hussain, and  Quansar, also actively participated in discussions on sectoral growth and sustainability.

The felicitation ceremony concluded with a collective resolve from all stakeholders to work together towards the sustainable development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here