Sofi Anayat
Baramulla, May 28(KNS): Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo accompanied by various concerned officers today paid visit to Fruit Mundi Sopore where he convened a meeting with the fruit growers/merchants to discuss various measures in view of current horticulture season.
The meeting was aimed to put in place a viable and proper mechanism so that flow of horticulture products is not affected due to present situation that arised due to pandemic COVID-19.
On the occasion, the fruit growers headed by President Fruit Mundi Sopore appraised the DC about various issues and specifically demanded the timely initiation of horticultural activities in the mundi. He demanded that a proper mechanism should be formulated so that fruits are exported to other markets of the country in a hassle free manner.
The President demanded strict ban on early ripening chemicals adding that use of such chemicals decreases the shell life of fresh fruit which ultimately results in congestion of such products in the mundi. He also demanded regulation of rate and quality on pesticides/fertilisers, repairing of vital roads leading to the mundi, installation of CCTV cameras. Others essential demands extended by the fruit growers includes deployment of medical team in the mundi for thermal screening, providing drinking water supply and highlighted other issues of vital public importance.
DC had a patient hearing of these demands and assured that every possible step shall be taken from the part of district administration to restore horticultural activities. He said that the matter of exporting fruits outside the J&K shall be taken with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir so that the issue is redressed at an earliest. DC further said that drivers coming from outside the J&K shall be properly screened before they enter the mundi.
Dr Itoo urged them to follow all the requisite health advisories especially maintaining social distancing and using face masks so that the risk of infection is mitigated.
Meanwhile, DC directed the Enforcement wing of Horticulture department to ensure strict vigil on spurious pesticides in the market. He also directed other concerned agencies to ensure infrastructure development in the mundi which includes repairing of roads, water supply etc.
Later the DC accompanied by ADC Sopore and other concerned functionaries inspects the Nowpora road that was demaged by a landslide due to Purho Nallah. On the occasion, the people demanded to repair the road for maintaining connectivity wherin DC assured that the issue shall be redressed as early as possible.(KNS)