J&K horticulture marketing in focus at SKICC buyer-seller meet

Agriculture Minister inaugurates buyer-seller meet at SKICC, calls for reduced post-harvest losses and improved market access

Srinagar, September 21: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, called for strengthening horticulture marketing infrastructure, improving post-harvest management and establishing efficient, transparent and farmer-centric market mechanisms to ensure better returns for growers across Jammu & Kashmir.

He made these remarks during a buyer-seller meet organised by the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Jammu & Kashmir, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, under the theme “Transforming Horticulture Marketing in Jammu & Kashmir.”

Focus on horticulture value chain

The event highlighted the department’s achievements, economic impact and various interventions aimed at strengthening market infrastructure and improving post-harvest management in the horticulture sector.

Addressing the gathering, Dar stressed the need for coordinated efforts among farmers, growers, traders, buyers and other stakeholders to strengthen the entire horticulture value chain, from production and post-harvest handling to marketing and final market access.

He called for greater focus on value addition, modern market facilities, scientific post-harvest management and stronger buyer-seller linkages to improve the competitiveness of Jammu & Kashmir’s horticulture produce.

The minister underlined the importance of horticulture to the rural economy of Jammu & Kashmir, noting its role in providing livelihood opportunities to a large section of the population. He emphasised sustained efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, improve handling and storage facilities, and facilitate wider and more remunerative markets for local produce.

Buyer-seller interactions and departmental initiatives

The buyer-seller meet provided a platform for direct interaction between growers, traders, buyers, market functionaries and other stakeholders to explore business opportunities, exchange experiences and identify measures for improving the horticulture marketing ecosystem.

A departmental presentation highlighted the impact of market infrastructure and post-harvest interventions, along with ongoing initiatives to modernise horticulture marketing and enhance the competitiveness of the sector.

Dar called upon the department and stakeholders to adopt a market-oriented, technology-driven and farmer-centric approach, ensuring that improved marketing infrastructure translates into enhanced incomes and greater economic opportunities for growers.

Minister inaugurates meet, inspects stalls

Earlier, Javid Ahmad Dar inaugurated the buyer-seller meet and inspected stalls showcasing horticulture produce, products, technologies and marketing initiatives.

He interacted with farmers, growers, traders, buyers and other stakeholders, seeking feedback on marketing facilities, post-harvest management, market linkages and challenges confronting the sector.

Among those present were MLAs Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri (Srigufwara–Bijbehara), Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (Kulgam), Nizamuddin Bhat (Bandipora), Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari), Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi (Anantnag West), Sheikh Khursheed (Langate), Reyaz Ahmad Khan (Shangus–Anantnag East), Irshad Rasool Kar (Sopore) and Irfan Hafiz Lone (Wagoora–Kreeri), besides senior officers of the concerned departments.