Mega Fruit Mandi on 300 Kanals being established in Kulgam: Agriculture Minister

SRINAGAR : Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday 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 Legislative Assembly today.
He said that the department has already established two Fruit and Vegetable Markets in the district Anantnag, 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 has been assessed over an area of 531.06 ha, however, as per SDRF/NDRF norms compensation is admissible only for crop losses exceeding 33% 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 C.A. Storage Unit with capacity of 5000 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, while as 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 programs and seminars are organized 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.
Legislators Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi and Showkat Ahmad Ganie raised supplementary questions on the subject.
RDD consults legislators for formulation, finalization of developmental plan: RDD Minister
Says Rs 3403.59 lac projected by MLAs incorporated in the current years Capex Budget
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar today said that the Rural Development Department ensures due consultation with elected representatives including legislators and other stakeholders at various levels during the formulation and finalization of developmental plans.
The Minister was replying to a question raised by legislator G.A Mir in the Legislative Assembly today.
He said that during the current financial year, directions were issued for incorporation of Rs 20.00 lac under CD & Panchayat for each MLA. Moreover, Budget announcements based on the feedback from the MLAs are being accommodated as per resource availability.
The Minister said that an amount of Rs 3403.59 lac as projected by the MLAs have been incorporated in the current years Capex Budget (CD Panchayat).
He said that the proposals and recommendations of elected public representatives are duly accommodated while formulating the developmental plans.
The Minister said that the works under CD & Panchayat, UT Capex, Budget are being executed in consultation with the concerned public representatives.
“Instructions are being issued from time to time to consult the elected representatives while formulating developmental action plans under various programmes being implemented by the Department,” the Minister said.
The Minister informed that the elected representatives in Jammu and Kashmir, including members of District Development Councils (DDCs) and Block Development Councils (BDCs), are involved in developmental plans through various roles, such as approving district-level plans, participating in participatory planning campaigns like the People’s Plan Campaign, and providing oversight. The establishment of DDCs, which replaced old planning boards, has formally integrated elected members into the process of preparing and approving district plans and capital expenditure.
Policy for regularization of daily- wagers under consideration: Jal Shakti Minister
Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana today said that the policy for regularization of daily-wagers is under consideration.
The Minister was replying to a question raised by Legislator Dr Sajjad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that there is shortage of staff due to the superannuation of several field employees in the department.
Sharing details, the Minister said that 125 of Assistant Lineman are present, while as only eight lineman posts are vacant in PHE Sub-Division Uri.
However, the Minister said to ensure regular water supply to the people and continued operation and maintenance of Water Supply Schemes (WSS), interim arrangements have been ensured though the internal deployment of available manpower, including regular employees and daily wagers, until the vacant posts are filled through formal recruitment, promotion, or redeployment as per departmental norms.