Diplomat Correspondent
Sopore, (DD) Minister for Horticulture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Elections, Javed Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday inaugurated a macadamization project worth Rs 117.63 lakh at the Sopore Fruit Mandi, Asia’s second-largest fruit market.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, Director Horticulture Gh Jeelani Zargar, ADC Sopore S. A. Raina (JKAS), and Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kaka G.
Addressing the media, Minister Dar said the project will significantly improve transportation and boost the infrastructure of the mandi, benefiting thousands engaged in the region’s horticulture economy. “This mandi is the backbone of Kashmir’s fruit industry. Strengthening it means empowering growers, traders, and transporters alike,” he stated.
He also revealed that an additional Rs 20 crore development plan is in the pipeline, aimed at the beautification and modernization of the Sopore Fruit Mandi.
Local residents and fruit traders expressed appreciation for the long-awaited initiative, calling it a major relief for transporters, laborers, and orchardists.(DD)