SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Fruit and Vegetable Processing Centre at the International Fruit Market in Jablipora, Anantnag.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, along with other legislators, senior officials, and officers.
The facility has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.30 crore under the CAPEX budget and has been executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. It aims to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and promote value addition in horticultural produce.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said such modern infrastructure will help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better returns for farmers. He added that the government is focused on developing a strong value chain in the horticulture sector so that local produce can compete in national and international markets.
The centre is equipped with advanced processing and storage facilities, including a fruit and vegetable canning and packaging unit, a dedicated pack house for sorting and grading, a mushroom processing unit, and a tomato puree manufacturing facility. It also features a high-capacity fruit drying unit with a processing capacity of 400–500 kg per hour, a 20-metric-tonne freezing chamber, and modern packaging and storage systems designed to enhance efficiency and extend shelf life.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to transforming agriculture and allied sectors into sustainable drivers of growth, with emphasis on value addition, innovation, and improved market access. He noted that such initiatives would strengthen the rural economy and create employment opportunities for youth.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited various stalls set up by departments of agriculture and allied sectors, where he interacted with progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and self-help groups. He appreciated their efforts, encouraged the adoption of modern farming techniques and crop diversification, and reiterated government support in the form of training, financial assistance, and market linkages to promote grassroots innovation across Jammu and Kashmir.
