Tral residents demand construction of fruit Mandi before next fruit season
Pulwama: The residents of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are demanding the establishment of a proper fruit mandi in their area, citing economic losses due to the absence of such a facility.
Despite the region comprising nearly 100 villages with a majority involved in fruit growing, there is no fully functional mandi to support the trade, they alleged.
Javed Ahmad Reshie, a local fruit grower, said that in the absence of a mandi, growers have to send their produce to markets in distant districts, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges.
“While a temporary mandi has been set up at Nowdal Tral, it lacks the infrastructure to cater to the entire region,” he added.
Another grower, Owais Ahmad, recalled that five years ago, the government had promised to set up a fruit mandi in Nowdal. In 2020, 20 kanals of land were identified, and trees were cut to facilitate the project, but construction is yet to begin.
Locals highlighted that the temporary facility operates in makeshift sheds without essential infrastructure like fencing, proper roads, and storage, making trade difficult.
They have raised the issue with authorities multiple times but claim that no concrete action has been taken.
Appealing for immediate intervention, the residents have urged LG Manoj Sinha and former CM Omar Abdullah to address their concerns.
An official from the Horticulture, Planning, and Marketing Department stated that a proposal for the fruit mandi has been submitted to higher authorities, awaiting approval.
Meanwhile, the issue was also raised in the Assembly by MLA Tral. The government responded that the transfer of land for the establishment of a Fruit and Vegetable Mandi at Nowdal is currently under process with the Revenue Department.
