Sopore Fruit Mandi gets facelift as Minister Javid Dar inaugurates macadamization project

Sopore: In a major push to upgrade agricultural infrastructure in north Kashmir, the Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated the macadamization of the working area at the Sopore Fruit and Vegetable Market. The project, worth ₹120 lakh and funded through MAC Funds, marks a major step in the ongoing modernization of one of Asia’s largest fruit mandis.

Accompanied by a host of dignitaries, including MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing Gh. Jeelani Zargar, MD JKHPMC Farooq Ahmad Dar, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Parvinder Singh Sudan, ADC Sopore Shabir Ahmad Raina, and President Fruit Association Fayaz Ahmad Malik, the minister toured the facility and reviewed progress on development works.

Addressing a gathering of farmers, growers, and mandi functionaries, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the horticulture sector and supporting small and marginal farmers. He assured the public that all genuine concerns of the mandi stakeholders would be addressed promptly.

Earlier in the day, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing briefed attendees about the initiatives being undertaken under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP). These include Cold Storage facilities (CA Stores), Hi-tech Grading Lines, Pick-Up Vans, Mini Cold Stores, Reefer Vans, Portable Grading Lines, Rural Business Service Hubs (RBSH), and e-trading integration via the e-NAM portal. He urged farmers and traders to take advantage of these schemes to improve efficiency and market linkages.

This development follows the inauguration of a dedicated water supply scheme in November 2024, aimed at ensuring access to clean drinking water for mandi workers, traders, and visitors.

The ongoing modernization of Sopore Fruit Mandi is expected to boost the region’s agricultural economy, improve post-harvest management, and enhance the livelihoods of thousands dependent on horticulture.