New fruit and vegetable market starts operations in J-K's Rajouri

In a bid to help marginal farmers, a fruit and vegetable market has been opened in Phalyana area of Rajouri district to facilitate direct marketing.

It is believed that the opening of this market will help the farmers reeling under poverty by providing them a place at their doorsteps to sell their produce hassle-free and get the desired price.

"We are hopeful that it will help the fruit and vegetable farmers to get a good price for their produce. Also from now onwards, we no more have to get some of the vegetables from Jammu or Pathankot as the local farmers will now come here to sell the same," said Mansoor Hussain, a trader while speaking to .

"We welcome the district administration's decision to open a fruit and vegetable market here. It will benefit local growers and traders, it will provide employment to around 300 people," said another local.

"It is expected that the opening of the market will also create employment opportunities as not only the growers even the transporters will get more work from now on. We are thankful to the government for this initiative," said Sikander Mehmood, Assistant Director, Rajouri fruit and vegetable mandi.

In June also, District Development Commissioner, Dr Sagar D Doifode inaugurated Kisan mandi in Doda district. The mandi has been established by the Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing (J&K) in Co-Ordination with Agriculture Production Department Doda.

( With inputs from ANI )