Srinagar, Nov 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) hosted a prestigious felicitation ceremony today, honoring its outgoing and incoming office bearers. The event, held in Srinagar, saw a remarkable gathering of dignitaries, horticultural stakeholders, civil society members, and industry leaders, who collectively expressed their commitment to strengthening the horticulture sector in the region.
The ceremony began with an insightful discussion on critical challenges faced by the horticulture sector, such as the smooth transit of fruit-laden trucks and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. During the event, a position paper titled “Horticulture in J&K” was unveiled, detailing the sector’s economic significance and offering strategic recommendations for its sustainable growth.
Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani proposed the formation of a dedicated advisory committee that would bring together all stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies for the sector. Echoing this sentiment, Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing sectoral challenges and announced plans for a workshop aimed at finding actionable solutions for the future.
In a key development, JKPICCA submitted a detailed memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister, highlighting urgent issues that need immediate government attention.
Bashir Ahmad Naik, the newly elected President of JKPICCA, addressed the gathering, vowing to continue the work of his predecessor, Mr. Maajid Aslam Wafai, and emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to drive growth and innovation in the horticulture sector.
The ceremony also included contributions from influential figures such as Director Horticulture Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Director Handicrafts Mehmood Ahmad Shah, who provided valuable insights into fostering sustainable development and promoting inter-sectoral collaboration.
Industry leaders, including Mr. Javid Tenga (President, KCCI), Mr. Basheer Ahmad Bashir (President, KVFGA), and Mr. Shahid Kamili (FCIK Advisory Committee), also attended the event, which was supported by representatives from fruit mandis, media, and civil society.
The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge from all attendees to work together towards the sustainable growth and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, aiming to create a robust, thriving ecosystem for the region’s farmers and producers.
