Dry fruit mandi coming up in Srinagar

In what is a first-time development in the district and a huge relief for Kashmir growers and dealers associated with its trade the Srinagar administration is setting up a dry fruit mandi in Srinagar.This was informed in a meeting convened Thursday by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary with representatives of the Kashmir Dry Fruit and Herbs Association.The development comes in the wake of the dry fruit association approaching the district administration and demanding establishment of a mandi in Srinagar for dry fruit growers of Kashmir.The meeting was informed that 50 kanals of land have been identified in Tehsil Shalteng where initially a temporary mandi with over 50 shops made of pre-fabricated material will be set up to provide a one-stop market for dry fruit dealers of Kashmir.The DC while speaking on the occasion said the district administration recognises the important role the dry fruit industry plays in the economic growth of Srinagar adding that establishment of a dry fruit mandi in the district is an indication of this recognition.It was informed that the mandi will have multiple facilities including storage, marketing, sale and other facilities like linkage with banks and traders based outside the state.Dr Shahid said funds required for its establishment have already been released to concerned agencies and work thereon will be started within a week and completed within the shortest possible time.This temporary mandi at the identified site will be replaced by a permanent one setting up of which stands approved and work on which will be started soon after winters.