RAWALPINDI: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi on Saturday inaugurated the fruit and vegetable market in Kallar Syedan.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said farmers of Kallar Syedan tehsil would not only have access to this model vegetable and fruit market but farmers of different areas of Rawalpindi and Kashmir as well.

“There was a dire need for a model market in this area as it is surrounded by hilly and semi-hilly areas and farmers had to travel to far-flung areas to sell their agricultural produce,” he said.

He said the establishment of this market will also reduce the freight costs of the farmers of this area.

He further said the Punjab government was using all resources to improve the system of agricultural markets along with development in other sectors of agriculture.

“All arrangements have been made to keep agricultural markets free from illegal encroachments. Besides, market fee schedule, commission and daily rates are being displayed at prominent places in model markets,” he said.

After the implementation of the new system of agricultural markets is being developed on modern lines, he said that it would be benefiting all the stakeholders.

“So far, more than 100 new markets have been established under the public-private partnership so that the farmers are directly benefited and the role of the middleman can be reduced. Farmers get reasonable compensation for their labour,” he said.

Apart from this, he said standard sanitation arrangements have been made in model markets across the province and prices are being fixed on the basis of daily auction.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture (Extension) Division Syed Shahid Iftikhar Bukhari said the establishment of model fruit and vegetable market in this area like in other areas of Punjab will not only benefit the farmers but also increase employment opportunities.

He said the agriculture of this area would be strengthened and the trend of growing vegetables and fruits would be promoted.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2022