Srinagar: A delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir chapter met with Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, Javaid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday to discuss critical reforms and policy interventions aimed at boosting the agriculture and horticulture sectors of the Union Territory.
The delegation was led by Chairman Vicky Shaw and Co-Chair Javaid Anim and included Executive Committee Members Bilal Kawoosa, Fayaz Ahmad, and Nasir Rather.
During the meeting, the delegation presented a memorandum outlining key issues and proposals. These included the need for expediting approvals for cold storage infrastructure under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), controlling the unregulated import of planting material, and the rationalization of costs under the High-Density Apple Plantation Scheme.
Other issues highlighted were restrictions on apple imports, export incentives for local growers, a mid-term review of HADP and the J&K Industrial Policy, and the establishment of a revolving fund for wool procurement to benefit artisans. The delegation also called for enhanced support to cattle breeding farms, silk-wool cluster parks, and adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for government-run nurseries.
The meeting also featured a proposal to organize a national-level Agriculture and Horticulture Exhibition in both Kashmir and Jammu in collaboration with the Agriculture Department. The event, the delegation said, would help promote innovation, investment, and market linkages for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Mr. Javaid Ahmad Dar gave a patient hearing to all the concerns raised and assured the delegation of time-bound redressal. He welcomed the proposal for the expo, terming it a promising initiative to boost agri-horti visibility and economic potential in J&K.
The PHDCCI also briefed the minister about its Poultry Entrepreneurship Training Program in collaboration with SIDBI, which is currently being implemented in various districts and has shown encouraging employment outcomes in rural areas.
Expressing appreciation for the minister’s proactive engagement, the PHDCCI Kashmir chapter said it looks forward to continued partnership with the government for driving sustainable agricultural transformation in the region.
