Recently Minister for Agricultural Production and Rural Development Departments, reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment towards promotion of the horticulture sector with emphasis on welfare of fruit traders and growers in Jammu and Kashmir.

He made these remarks while chairing a meeting held with the members of Jammu Fruit Traders Association at Fruit Mandi Narwal.

The meeting had detailed discussion on key issues faced by fruit traders besides exploring measures for strengthening the horticulture sector.

He said that the Horticulture sector is and will remain a priory sector for the government as it plays a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.

He highlighted the significance of the horticulture sector in J&K, stating that around 70 to 80 percent of the region’s population is directly or indirectly associated with this sector. “Thousands of people earn their livelihood through horticulture activities and the government is highly sensitive to the challenges faced by the growers and traders. We are committed towards implementing welfare initiatives that will ensure the sustained growth and prosperity of this vital sector,” emphasised the Minister.

He acknowledged the pressing need for additional storage space for apple produce, especially during the peak season, to support Jammu based traders. Recognizing the genuine concerns of the traders, he directed the concerned authorities to identify a suitable patch of land to address this requirement at the earliest.