Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Labour, and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday assured major development and modernization of Sopore fruit mandi, Asia’s second largest apple market.
MoS Shobha, during a review meeting lauded the Baramulla district administration for its outstanding performance, which has placed the district at the top position across the country.
She expressed confidence that the district would soon be recognized as a “Developed District,” attributing the achievements to the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments.
On issues faced by farmers and apple growers, the MoS said that they are committed to addressing their concerns. She singled out Sopore Fruit Mandi, the second largest apple market in Asia, for development and assured stakeholders that its transformation and upgradation would be prioritized to make it a top-rated hub in food processing.
“The Government of India is focusing on Baramulla on the fronts of education, health, skill development and infrastructure to ensure people benefit directly,” she said.
The MoS commended Baramulla’s strides in achieving significant milestones under the Aspirational Districts Program, which aims to accelerate socio-economic development in less-developed regions. She assured that initiatives under the program would continue to improve the living standards of the people.
Pertinently, MoS Karandlaje during her visit also inaugurated a hi-tech polygreen house with a total area spanning 500 square meters at Chakloo, sanctioned to the local farmer through HADP scheme at an estimated subsidy of 95%. She also inaugurated the Endo-Urological Equipment at the Associated Hospital as part of the Aspirational District Programme and other few projects—(KNO)
