PHDCCI, NCCD host session with J&K Fruit Association to promote cold chain storage in Jammu

Jammu, Jun 28: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and National Centre for Cold Chain Development today organized a awareness session with the Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association, featuring the esteemed presence of Sh. Asheesh Fotedar Chief Operating Officer (COO) from the National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD) a department under Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare , Government of India . 

The session was led and organised by Sh Rahul Sahai Chair PHDCCI Jammu along with Sh. Asheesh Fotedar Chief Operating Officer (COO) from the National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD) with the Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association to address the crucial topic of promoting cold chain storage in the region and taking stock of other problems faced by them .  Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association was led by Sh. Parveen Kumar Gupta, President ,Mr. Atul Ghai, Vice President ,  Mr. Nitin Jain, General Secretary; Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Secretary ,  Mr. Ashok Gupta, Treasurer; and other esteemed members were part of the discussion and awareness session . 

The primary focus of the meeting was to promote cold chain storage solutions in Jammu and to discuss the challenges faced by association members in this regard and other problems were also discussed and noted by NCCD .  Sh Asheesh  Fotedar  provided valuable insights into the various subsidies available for horticulture, encouraging members to take advantage of these opportunities. Members emphasized the importance of promoting the Chenab Valley for fruit and vegetables production and for cold chain awareness, highlighting its unique produce such as Gucchi, apple, anardana, plum, and kesar. 

It was noted that the central government is offering substantial support to the state for the betterment of stakeholders. Sh Asheesh urged stakeholders to communicate about their queries and issues with  the government of UT and GOI to ensure that their concerns are addressed as early as possible . Additionally  , Sh Rahil Sahai Chair PHDCCI highlighted the expired lease deeds  issue faced by the Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association with NCCD.

Sh Asheesh Fotedar  suggested the formation of an association that includes traders from both Jammu and Kashmir to Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association in Jammu  . Sh Rahul Sahai recommended that the Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association should meet with the Joint Secretary of Agriculture in Delhi to raise their issues, assuring them that PHDCCI would support their efforts to get back on track . 

 The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to work collaboratively towards the advancement of cold chain storage solutions and the overall development of the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir and it was decided that PHDCCI and NCCD will hold regular online interactions with Jammu Kashmir Fruit Association regarding awareness of various schemes of GOI .