Union Minister Piyush Goyal meets JKPICCA in Srinagar, discusses strategies for cold chain growth

Srinagar: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, met with representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetable Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) in Srinagar to discuss strategies aimed at bolstering industrial growth in the region’s agro-processing and cold chain sectors.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the critical importance of strengthening these sectors for enhancing J&K’s agricultural economy and expanding its export potential. “Industrial development in agro-processing and cold chain infrastructure will play a pivotal role in ensuring long-term economic resilience and sustainability for Jammu and Kashmir’s farming communities,” he noted.

The discussions focused on improving integrated storage, packaging, and transportation solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure that high-quality produce from the region reaches national and international markets efficiently.

Representatives from JKPICCA shared their operational experiences and highlighted several on-ground challenges, including high logistics costs, infrastructure gaps, and the need for government-backed incentives to encourage private sector participation.

Minister Goyal assured the delegation of the Centre’s support in framing policies that would not only strengthen the region’s agro-industrial ecosystem but also create employment opportunities and enhance farmers’ incomes.