New Delhi, April 7, KDC : Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, undertook an extensive visit to Azadpur Mandi in Delhi on Monday to assess the marketing ecosystem and explore opportunities for enhancing trade linkages for fruit growers from Jammu and Kashmir.
During the visit, Zargar interacted with buyers, commission agents, and other key stakeholders of the mandi. The discussions primarily focused on improving transportation facilities, promoting transparent trade practices, and encouraging online trading through the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) portal. He emphasized the importance of streamlining these mechanisms to benefit the growers and traders from the Union Territory.
Later, the Director held a marathon meeting with members of the Kashmir Apple Merchants Association (KAMA) and other trader bodies. He stressed the need for frequent buyer-seller meets to build strong market linkages between local horticulture producers and buyers across the country. Such initiatives, he said, would enhance the market reach of J&K’s horticultural produce and ensure fair prices to growers.
Zargar also visited the office of the Deputy Director, Horticulture, at Shalimar Bagh and reviewed the functioning of Kishan Ghar. He took stock of ongoing developmental works, including the extension block project, and directed officials to expedite the pending tasks.
The visit is seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the horticulture sector by connecting J&K farmers directly with national markets and ensuring better infrastructure support. (KDC)
