Traders seek upgradation of Shopian fruit mandi

Srinagar, Nov 28: The traders in fruit mandi Shopian in south Kashmir Tuesday appealed to the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing J&K to upgrade the fruit mandi complex to further push the trade.
The mandi plays a pivotal role in the district’s economy. Currently, it is bustling with trade activity, as the district is a primary contributor to apple production in Kashmir.
Mir Mohd Amin, President Fruit Mandi Shopian said the mandi still faces infrastructure issues and they have time and again taken up the matter with concerned authorities.
“This mandi is a source of livelihood for 10,000 people. There is a lack of basic infrastructure. The mandi also lacks auction platforms which is a grave requirement,” he said.
He said the traders have been demanding shop sites but it has not been done. “The traders have to do their business activities at one place on the auction platform,” the president said.
Amin said the mandi had a total land of 700 kanals however today it is only 300 kanals and the rest of the land has been turned into cold storage facilities.
“There are no offices of the traders where they can meet their customers as we see in Srinagar and Sopore fruit Mandi,” he said.
The vital fruit mandi is situated along the banks of the Rambi Ara river, a tributary to the River Jhelum. “When the mandi was relocated to Aglar on the outskirts of Shopian town, it was contingent upon the construction of flood protection walls,” the president said.
“But till date, flood protection walls haven’t been constructed. Fortunately, there have been no floods over the years otherwise if floods come it would damage the mandi,” he said.
The traders have urged the Horticulture Marketing and Planning Department to conduct an on-site assessment at the mandi to ensure its safety for trade.
The traders said the district administration and Planning and Marketing wing of the Horticulture department should not have forced them to shift base, given the condition of this place.
Bilal Ahmad Paddar, Marketing Inspector (Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing J&K) Fruit Mandi Shopian said the infrastructure in Mandi has been upgraded over the years adding that the fruit mandi can accommodate 450 traders.
“Until last year there were only 10 auction platforms which have been added to 12 this year for the ease of farmers and traders,” he said.
“There are adequate facilities. There is always scope for improvement. There are plans for the upgrade. We are expecting shop site allotment. The traders will soon get relief,” he said.