Cold storage chains crucial for fruit produce in J-K: Omar

Investors needed to be encouraged and given support to establish 'Controlled Atmosphere Stores' in the Valley which would allow fruit growers to store their produce for timely marketing, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.
"We need a North-South cold chain link in Kashmir Valley and investors need to be encouraged to establish Controlled Atmosphere Stores in industrial estates and fruit markets in Sopore, Baramulla, Rafiabad and other places," Omar said.
Chairing a meeting here to review various programmes for horticulture and agricultural development in the Valley, the CM stressed on the importance of adopting modern methods to enhance the per hectare production of apple by rejuvenating old orchards and providing high-density and disease resistant seed to horticulturists, an official spokesman added.

The CM also said that a comprehensive Mission Mode Programme was needed to improve both the production of apple and its marketing.
The concept of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for strengthening the value of the fruit was an encouraging initiative in that direction, the CM added.