Div Com Kashmir calls for train-based fruit transport to ease Highway woes

Srinagar, Sep 2: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of the Horticulture and Horticulture Planning & Marketing departments, with a special focus on market linkages, post-harvest management, and the role of modern infrastructure in boosting the Valley’s apple economy.

The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Ghulam Jeelani, Joint Director Horticulture, and senior technical officers.

Officials presented a detailed overview of the sector’s contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, employment generation, expansion of high-density apple plantations, establishment of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storages, and food processing units. Schemes under HADP, CAPEX Budget, NABARD, JKCIP, and e-NAM were also discussed, along with interventions in market intelligence, infrastructure development, and training in grading and packing.

Stressing the need to maximise growers’ profits, Div Com directed officers to involve local fruit associations in utilizing railway services for transportation of crops to major Indian markets. He said this would provide farmers with a reliable alternative to the frequently disrupted Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Garg also urged stakeholders to invest in CA storage and cold chains to reduce post-harvest losses and emphasised reducing dependence on imported plant material by developing local stock.

The Div Com assured that the administration would facilitate necessary interventions to strengthen Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which sustains the livelihood of millions across the Valley.