Kolkata: In a significant move to boost market access for farmers and growers of Jammu & Kashmir, the Department of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) organized a Buyer-Seller Meet in Kolkata under the theme “Connecting Farmers with Markets.”
The event, aimed at expanding business opportunities across the country for J&K’s horticulture sector, witnessed participation from over 50 growers, farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and entrepreneurs from J&K, along with more than 250 traders, exporters, processors, and stakeholders from West Bengal and adjoining states.
Prominent trade bodies and associations, including the Kolkata Fruit Association, Confederation of West Bengal Traders Association (CWBTA), Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal and PAF India Pvt. Ltd., actively participated. Buyers and exporters praised the initiative as a unique platform to engage directly with growers.
Strengthening Market Linkages
In his inaugural address, Director Horticulture (P&M) Ghulam Jeelani Zargar expressed gratitude to the participants and highlighted the importance of such platforms in bridging gaps between farmers and markets. He emphasized the department’s focus on strengthening infrastructure—such as CA stores, grading/packing lines, reefer vans, and branding centers—alongside reforms in marketing and institutional development.
He noted that Kolkata’s second Buyer-Seller Meet was strategically planned to coincide with the beginning of the Durga Puja festival, seeking blessings for the prosperity of farmers and traders alike.
Industry Voices
Mohammad Sorabh, President of the Kolkata Fruit Association, stressed the need for adequate cold storage facilities in Kashmir to enable year-round trade. Suishil Poddar, President of CWBTA and the Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal, advocated for establishing trade hubs dedicated to fresh and dry fruits. Sheikh Zaffarullah, Secretary of the Fruit Association Jablipora (Anantnag), appreciated the government’s progress in post-harvest management infrastructure.
Government’s Commitment
Chief Guest Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Elections, UT of J&K, lauded the initiative and underlined the role of such events in improving the business ecosystem. He highlighted the government’s Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, which has transformed production, storage, transportation, and post-harvest management in J&K over the last two years.
Dar further emphasized J&K’s strong performance in inter-state e-NAM trade and called for greater focus on processing to ensure better returns for farmers. He welcomed proposals from trade leaders and encouraged buyers to explore the unique, high-quality produce of J&K.
Interactive Session
The event concluded with an interactive buyer-seller session, facilitating candid discussions on strategies for business promotion and partnership building.
Senior officials including Deep Raj, Special Secretary Agriculture Production Department J&K, Farooq Ahmad Dar, MD JKHPMC, Des Raj, OSD to Hon’ble Minister, Vikas Anand, Director Horticulture Kashmir, as well as representatives from APEDA and NHB West Bengal, were present at the meet.
