Srinagar, June 1: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a review meeting to assess the functioning of Mandis and Kissan Ghars established within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed facilities, occupancy, services provided to farmers, and operational issues in Kissan Ghars. He said these centres are vital infrastructure offering affordable accommodation and support services to farmers visiting for official work, training, and market-related activities.
Javid Dar directed officials to immediately renovate and upgrade Kissan Ghars in New Delhi and Kolkata to ensure better lodging and essential facilities for farmers engaged in trade activities. He said strengthening these centres would help farmers access national markets more effectively and improve their overall trading experience.
Reviewing mandi operations, the Minister ordered verification of shop allotments to ensure compliance with norms and prevent misuse of public assets. He stressed that any deviation from prescribed guidelines must be addressed promptly.
He also called for modernisation and decongestion of mandis, particularly in Poonch, Akhnoor and Jammu, and sought a long-term plan for the Sopore Fruit Mandi to improve efficiency and facilities for growers and traders.
The Minister directed departments to establish a strong monitoring mechanism for safeguarding public assets and ensuring their use for farmer welfare. He emphasised coordinated efforts among departments to strengthen agricultural marketing infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior officers from the Horticulture Department, JKHPMC, and fruit growers’ representatives attended the meeting.