-SATISH HANDA
Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board has approved project for developing an ultra modern hi-tech apple, fruits and vegetable market in 78.33 acre area at Pinjore at the place where Hindustan Machine Tools factory declared sick was situated. The proposed market would have all basic facilities for the farmers including storage and marketing of fruits and vegetables. Chief Administrator of Board J. Ganeshan told media persons that the proposed market would have facilities for storage of apple, other fruits and vegetables brought from adjoining states Himachal, Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab and within the state. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal addressing a meeting with Chandigarh stock holders in which state agriculture minister J.P. Dalal was also present told that proposed market would be equipped with hi-tech agriculture machinery, a shopping complex and facilities for storage and sale of fruits and vegetables under the supervision of experts in agriculture field aiming farmers in the state to double their income as assured by the government from time to time in past.
Information reveals, proposed market would have spacious cold storage facility for fruits and vegetables mainly apples, tomato, Simla Chilli, Garlic and mushroom produced in the neighbouring hilly areas, besides assisting farmers to sell out their agriculture produce through link between the farmers and consumers, wholesale merchants, super markets and manufacturers of food products. According to information, Board has already prepared a project report for proposed market in consultation with state horticulture department as well as private consultants to commence work on war footing basis.
According to information, Haryana state government has decided to start export of fruits, vegetables and flowers enabling farmers to increase their income and also earn handsome revenue for the state government. There will be provision for training to youths in agriculture production in this complex enabling them not only to earn handsome income in agriculture business but also create employment opportunities for the youths. Dr, B.S. Sehrawat Director Horticulture Development Mission told that state government has planning for cultivation of flowers having huge market in the country as well as in exports. According to state government information, fruits were cultivated in 66,712 hectare area, vegetables cultivated in 4,20,857 hectare area and 16.87 lakh mushroom trays were produced in Haryana state during the year 2018-19. Information also reveals, nearly 180% growth in mushroom production has been recorded in the state and Sonepat district leads in mushroom production across the country.
