A 25-ton air-conditioned refrigerated truck was handed over to a beneficiary in Kulgam under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.
February 16, Srinagar: The Area Marketing Office of the Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing handed over a 25-ton air-conditioned refrigerated truck to a beneficiary in Kulgam under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme on Monday.
The handover was followed by an awareness programme at the Fruit Mandi in Kulgam, jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture and the Horticulture Planning and Marketing wing. Fruit growers and traders attended the session and were briefed on various government schemes available to farmers.
Area Marketing Officer Ajeet Singh said that the vehicle is the third refrigerated truck provided in the district under the programme. He said that the initiative has received a positive response from growers and other stakeholders.
Officials said that the move is intended to strengthen post-harvest management and improve the transportation of horticultural produce. The air-conditioned vehicle is expected to help preserve the quality of fruits and vegetables during transit, reduce spoilage, and enhance returns for farmers.
Singh urged farmers to take advantage of centrally sponsored schemes, stating that the programme aims to modernize the agriculture and horticulture sectors. He added that additional beneficiaries are likely to receive support in upcoming phases.
The beneficiary thanked the department, saying that the vehicle would facilitate the transportation of produce to distant markets while maintaining quality standards.
On the occasion, officials also encouraged growers and traders to apply for apple grading machines under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project to improve value addition and market access.