Growers, traders flag infrastructure, transport issues at Handwara Fruit Mandi

Ziraat Times News Desk

KUPWARA, September 19, 2026: Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday reviewed the functioning, infrastructure and facilities at Handwara Fruit Mandi, with a focus on improving marketing arrangements and ensuring better returns to fruit growers.

Dar, who also holds the portfolios of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, interacted with representatives of fruit growers, traders and the Mandi Association during his visit.

Member Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad accompanied the Minister.

The stakeholders raised issues concerning basic infrastructure, facilities at the mandi, marketing arrangements, transportation and other requirements for ensuring hassle-free trade.

Dar sought constructive suggestions from growers and traders on improving the functioning of the mandi and strengthening the existing marketing mechanism.

He stressed the need for efficient, transparent and grower-friendly market infrastructure to provide fruit growers with better facilities and an enabling environment for marketing their produce.

The Minister assured the representatives that their genuine demands would be examined and addressed on priority in coordination with the concerned departments. He also directed officers to maintain regular coordination with mandi associations and remain responsive to the requirements of growers and traders.

Dar said strengthening horticulture infrastructure and streamlining the marketing system was essential for protecting the interests of fruit growers, improving post-harvest management and further strengthening the horticulture economy of Jammu & Kashmir.

Director Horticulture Marketing & Planning Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Agriculture Kashmir and Managing Director, JKHPMC, besides senior officers and representatives of fruit growers and traders’ associations, were present during the visit.