Mega fruit mandi on 300 kanals being set up in Kulgam: Minister

Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar today said that a mega fruit mandi at Aar Mohala, Kulgam, on 300 kanals is being established and the transfer of land in favour of the department is under process.

The minister said this while replying to a question raised by legislator Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi regarding compensation for crop losses to farmers in the Legislative Assembly today.

He said that the department has already established two fruit and vegetable markets in the Anantnag district — at Batengo and at Jablipora — which are functional and adequately cater to the marketing needs of the growers and traders of the entire district.

He also added that in Kulgam district, one mandi namely Apni Mandi has been established at Nunmai, which is at developmental stage.

The minister further informed that damages to horticulture crops in J&K have been assessed over an area of 531.06 ha. However, as per SDRF/NDRF norms, compensation is admissible only for crop losses exceeding 33 per cent which accounts for an area of 431.091 ha.

He also added that in South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama, a total compensation Rs 4.088 lakh has been paid.

The minister further informed the House that there is one controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage unit with capacity of 5,000 MT in Anantnag district.

He said that CA stores are established by private entrepreneurs and government provides subsidy for the same. He added that the assistance is open to any entrepreneur who is willing to apply as per the norms and procedures.

The minister also informed that most CA stores are located in the Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora, Pulwama, and the Industrial Estate at Aglar, Shopian. Efforts are underway with the Industries and Commerce Department to establish sector-specific industrial estates for horticulture and post-harvest management in other districts.

He added that continuous awareness programmes and seminars are organised in all districts, including Anantnag and Kulgam, to create awareness among the fruit growers about available incentives for cold storage and other post-harvest-related activities.