Budgam flags off refrigerated vans with fresh vegetables to Chandigarh

BUDGAM: In order to boost supply chain of vegetable movement from District Budgam to Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Akshay Labroo Friday flagged-off refrigerated vans carrying 90 quintals of fresh peas in presence of senior officials and local farmers.

The initiative was organized by district administration Budgam in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Budgam and AF Multi-Cooperative Society (FPO) Budgam, under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), a government measure designed to support timely and cost-effective transportation of perishable agricultural produce.

On the occasion, DC said that this is not just a transportation initiative; it is a step towards empowering our farmers by providing them direct access to markets.

He said the use of departmental refrigerated vans ensures that the quality and freshness of the produce is preserved during transit, helping to secure fair market prices for the farming community.

He further said the Market Intervention Scheme is a crucial platform to reduce wastage, ensure better returns, and create sustainable market linkages for our high-quality produce.

DC said Agriculture department Budgam and AF Cooperative (FPO) Budgam played a pivotal role in mobilizing and organizing the produce for dispatch. The coordination between the agriculture department and the farmer producer organization highlights a growing synergy aimed at strengthening the region’s agricultural economy.

Labroo emphasised the district administration’s resolve in enhancing agricultural infrastructure and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Chief Agriculture Officer Budgam, Naseer Ahamd said that by facilitating access to national markets, our aim is to turn Budgam into a hub of agri-export. This initiative under the Market Intervention Scheme not only ensures fair pricing but also boosts confidence among our farming community.

Speaking on the occasion, one of the farmers expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating, “Such initiatives are expected to enhance farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster a robust agricultural marketing framework in the region. They also encourage increased agricultural productivity and help us become more self-reliant by giving us direct access to bigger markets, reducing our dependence on middlemen, and ensuring that our hard work is fairly rewarded.”