• Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.

Minister Javid Ahmad Dar Inaugurates Macadamization Project at Sopore Fruit Mandi

Published on May 14, 2025

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Sopore, May 14 (RNA):
Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Shri Javid Ahmad Dar, visited the Sopore Fruit and Vegetable Market today to inaugurate the macadamization of the mandi’s working area. The ₹120 lakh project, funded under MAC Funds, aims to boost the mandi’s infrastructure and operational efficiency.

The inauguration event witnessed participation from key dignitaries, including MLA Sopore Shri Irshad Rasool Kar, Shri Gh. Jeelani Zargar (Director, Horticulture Planning & Marketing), Shri Farooq Ahmad Dar (MD, JKHPMC), Dr. Parvinder Singh Sudan (Director, Animal Husbandry), Shri Shabir Ahmad Raina (ADC Sopore), Shri Fayaz Ahmad Malik (President, Fruit Association Sopore), and several other senior officers. A large gathering of farmers, growers, and mandi traders also marked their presence.

Focus on Holistic Agricultural Development

Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing, while welcoming the guests, gave a detailed overview of the modernization initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP). These include:

  • CA (Controlled Atmosphere) Stores

  • Hi-tech Grading Lines

  • Pick-Up Vans & Refer Vans

  • Mini and Portable Cold Stores

  • Rural Business Service Hubs (RBSH)

  • E-trading via the e-NAM platform

He urged farmers and traders to actively benefit from these schemes to improve market access and profitability.

Government Committed to Mandi Development

In his address, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading Asia’s one of the largest fruit markets, ensuring better facilities and livelihoods for small and marginal farmers. He assured the resolution of genuine issues faced by mandi stakeholders and lauded the Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department for its key role in the mandi’s sustained growth.

  • The visit is part of the broader modernization strategy, which earlier saw the inauguration of a water supply scheme in November 2024, now benefiting thousands of traders, workers, and daily visitors. These developmental works are poised to significantly uplift the region’s agro-economic ecosystem.
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  • Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.