SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated the buyer-seller meet organised by the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing, J&K at SKICC, Srinagar.

The event, themed “Transforming Horticulture Marketing in Jammu & Kashmir”, highlighted the Department’s achievements, economic impact and various interventions undertaken to strengthen the market infrastructure and improve post-harvest management in the horticulture sector.

On the occasion, the Minister inspected various stalls showcasing horticulture produce, products, technologies and marketing initiatives. He interacted with the farmers, growers, traders, buyers and other stakeholders and took their feedback regarding marketing facilities, post-harvest management, market linkages and issues confronting the sector.

During his interaction, Javid Ahmad Dar emphasized the need for further strengthening the horticulture marketing infrastructure and creating efficient, transparent and farmer-centric market mechanisms to ensure better returns to growers. He stressed upon coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to improve the entire horticulture value chain, from production and post-harvest handling to marketing and final market access. He also called for greater focus on value addition, modern market facilities, scientific post-harvest management and stronger buyer-seller linkages.

The Minister said that horticulture constitutes an important component of Jammu & Kashmir’s rural economy and provides livelihood opportunities to a large section of the population. He underscored the importance of sustained interventions to reduce post-harvest losses, improve handling and storage facilities and facilitate wider and remunerative markets for local produce.

The Buyer-Seller meet provided an important platform for direct interaction between the growers, traders, buyers, market functionaries and other stakeholders, enabling them to explore new business opportunities, share experiences and identify measures for improving the marketing ecosystem.

The Department, through its presentation, showcased the impact of its market infrastructure and post-harvest interventions. Besides, it highlighted the ongoing initiatives aimed at modernizing the horticulture marketing and enhancing the competitiveness of Jammu & Kashmir’s horticulture produce.

The Minister called upon the department and stakeholders to work in close coordination and adopt a market-oriented, technology-driven and farmer-centric approach so that the benefits of improved marketing infrastructure translate into enhanced income and greater economic opportunities for growers across Jammu & Kashmir.

Among others present were MLA, Srigufwara–Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; MLA Kulgam,Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami; MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat ; MLA,Sonawari, Hillal Akbar Lone; MLA,Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat, Larmi; MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed; MLA Shangus–Anantnag East,  Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone and other senior officers of concerned departments.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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