Srinagar, 04 June(KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of the Parliament from Anantnag Justice (r) Hasnain Masoodi on Sunday called for incentivisation of fruit industry in Kashmir, saying the agriculture and its allied sectors have the potential to change the social and economic status of our rural Kashmir. 

Speaking on the Inauguration of the Electric Substation at Sirhama created at cost of Rs 20 lac released under MPLADS,  Masoodi said, “The substation has facilitated irrigation of hundreds of acres of Orchard land in Sirhama area. It has been a long pending demand of the locals to have an assured supply of irrigation facilities to cater to the vast swathes of land under orchard plantations. I am sure that the facility will enhance production & productivity. There is a great need to redefine what should constitute our priority sector and expand its scope. Health care, education, and agriculture continue to remain high on the party's agenda of development.”

Among others Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Peer Mohd Hussein Ex Minister, Ab Majid Larmi Ex MLA, Block president M Abdullah Dar, VBP Gulzar Ahmad and Latif Khanday,Peer Mohd Hussan, Abdul Majid Larmi also addressed the workers. BPs Mushtaq Sofi, M Abdullah Dar, M A Khan, SP Gulzar, Dilawar A Mir and Aquib Mushtaq were also present on the occasion. 

On the occasion, he demanded the setting of cold store facilities and a commercial processing unit at Sirhama. “All the barriers in the implementation and adaptation of modern horticulture must be removed. By providing cold storage facilities, the fruit can be retained for 6-8 months and will restrict its export in one go. When sold at later stages, the produce can fetch growers good returns,” he added. Masoodi also addressed the block  workers convention at village Katoo and Block D Pora of Srigufwara Bijbehara.(KNS).