JK News Today
Srinagar, June 7:
Director Horticulture (P&M) Vishesh Mahajan on Sunday paid an extensive visit to Ganderbal district where he reviewed the departmental activities and as well took the stock of operationalisation of the Zazna Mandi at the earliest.
After assuming the charge of Director Horticulture (P&M), he has been on the toes and is visiting every nook and corner of the valley to have first hand information about the issues confronted by growers and farmers.
At Ganderbal ,the Director had a detailed exchange of ideas with the local growers and traders about their issues and the departmental support.
Some of the issues raised by the growers were attended to by the Director who announced that the possession letters for shopsites in the Zazna Mandi will be handed over very soon so that the mandi can be operationalised at the earliest. Earlier the allotted land was properly demarcated.
Director impressed upon the allottees to start the construction of the shopsites as early as possible and complete it within the next three months.
During the interactions the growers brought up some facts which included that since the district was involved in a number of Horticulture products and in near future the Mandi space may definitely fall short of the requirements. Thus the growers requested that the state land adjacent to the mandi may be included into the present Mandi land so that a futuristic problem could be taken care of. The Director in this direction promised to take up the matter with higher ups at the earliest.
Director while speaking to the audience which consisted of members of Fruit Associations, members of only cooperative society, growers and traders , FPOs ,said that he was aware of the issues being faced by the community but assured them that the department is trying its utmost to ease their problems.
Director Horticulture (P&M) in his address asked them to pay more attention on the grading of their fruits .Since Fruit grading is an important process for growers which affects the fruit quality evaluation and its acceptability in the market.
On the issue of non availability of the electricity in the Mandi premises which is a basic necessity to operationalise it, The Director asked the department Engineering wing to get in touch with the power development department and process for the same may be initiated so that the issue is resolved in next 15 days.
Director Horticulture (P&M) alongwith officers which included Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Executive Engineer and other officials visited the apple and cherry orchards where he impressed upon the growers to adopt new marketing tools that would ensure good returns for your produce.
