In Bandipora, a transformative initiative is set to unfold as the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing J&K, will establish a state-of-the-art fruit mandi under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), officials said.
The Deputy Director, Central, Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing J&K, Manzoor Ahmad Mir, shared the ambitious plan, highlighting the identification of 104 kanals of land for this purpose at Aloosa.
He revealed that the project will have a Rs 10 crore budget and the process of construction would unfold over the next two to three years, transforming the district’s agricultural landscape. “The tendering process has been completed and work has been allotted,” he said.
Mir said the district had long been devoid of a dedicated mandi for its agricultural produce and now the establishment of a mandi will bridge a critical gap in the region’s agricultural infrastructure.
“It will take some two to three years. We are going to establish fruit mandi there. Bandipora remained an exception and was an uncovered district in Kashmir.
Almost all the districts have mandis,” he said.
The Deputy Director said that they aim that the upcoming fruit mandi is set to be a game-changer, providing local farmers with a centralized platform to showcase and sell their produce.
The holistic approach underpinning the HADP aligns seamlessly with the vision of sustainable agricultural development.
“This mandi is not just a market; it’s a symbol of progress with a special focus to uplift the rural economy and a beacon of hope for the hardworking farmers of Bandipora,” he said.
Mir said the mandi will benefit thousands of farmers and provide marketing facilities at their doorsteps. It is expected to create an opportunity to sell their produce locally besides that it will also create job opportunities for the local youth.
“Horticulture is the mainstay of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and the Government is committed to upgrade the existing infrastructure, which includes setting up of modern fruit markets with the necessary backup of cold storages, transport and other facilities,” he added.
