Zahoor Bhat elected president of New Fruit Traders Association Sopore

In a significant development for the horticulture sector, fruit traders at the Sopore fruit mandi—often regarded as Asia’s second-largest—on Saturday formed a new representative body under the banner of ‘The Kashmir Fruit Traders Association at Fruit Mandi Apple Town Sopore’.

The decision was taken at a well-attended meeting of traders and stakeholders, reflecting a collective push to strengthen unity, improve coordination, and address long-standing challenges confronting the fruit trade in the region.

During the meeting, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat was unanimously elected as President of the newly formed association, signalling broad consensus and confidence among members.

Addressing the gathering, Bhat thanked the trading community for reposing trust in his leadership and pledged to work with dedication, transparency, and accountability. *“I will strive to safeguard the interests of traders and take up key issues with the authorities to ensure better infrastructure and facilities at the mandi,”* he said.

He emphasised that collective efforts are crucial to improving the efficiency and functioning of the mandi, while ensuring better amenities for both growers and traders. He also underlined the importance of strengthening Kashmir’s fruit industry, a sector that supports thousands of livelihoods across the Valley.

Members of the association congratulated the newly elected president and expressed confidence that the body would work with renewed commitment to resolve pressing issues and streamline operations within the mandi.

The formation of the association is being widely seen as a constructive step towards empowering traders and ensuring a more organised approach to addressing challenges in Sopore’s key fruit trade hub.