JKPICCA Felicitates Office Bearers in Grand Ceremony
Srinagar, 17 November 2024— The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) today hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honor its outgoing and incoming office bearers. The event witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries, horticulture sector stakeholders, media representatives, civil society members, and industry leaders.
The Hon’ble Minister for Agricultural Production Department, Mr. Javaid Ahmad Dar, presided as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, served as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included Members of the Legislative Assembly: Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah (MLA Tangmarg), Mr. Showkat Ganai (MLA Wachi), Mr. Riyaz Bedar (MLA Pattan), and Mr. Gh. Mohiddin Mir (MLA Rajpora).
The ceremony commenced with an overview of the recently concluded election process. The outgoing President, Mr. Maajid Aslam Wafai, was lauded for his remarkable contributions to the sector. The Hon’ble Minister presented the certificate of election to the newly elected President, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik.
Key Highlights of the Event
1.Discussion on Sectoral Issues
Critical challenges facing the horticulture sector were deliberated, including ensuring the smooth transit of fruit-laden trucks on national highways and encouraging sustainable cultivation with reduced chemical inputs.
2.Position Paper Release
A position paper titled “Horticulture in J&K” was unveiled by the dignitaries. The document underscores the sector’s economic significance and outlines strategic recommendations for sustainable growth.
3.Policy and Advisory Committee Proposal
Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani proposed forming a dedicated advisory committee to include all stakeholders for comprehensive policy development.
4.Government’s Commitment
The Hon’ble Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing sectoral challenges and announced plans to organize a stakeholder workshop for actionable resolutions.
5.Memorandum Submission
JKPICCA submitted a detailed memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister highlighting pressing sectoral challenges requiring urgent attention.
Incoming President’s Address
In his inaugural speech, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik expressed gratitude to all attendees and pledged collaborative efforts to advance the horticulture sector. He also acknowledged his predecessor, Mr. Maajid Aslam Wafai, for creating a strong foundation for growth and innovation.
Special Guests and Panelists
The event featured valuable insights from special guests, including Director Horticulture Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Director Handicrafts Mr. Mehmood Ahmad Shah, who explored opportunities for sustainable development and cross-sector synergies.
Notable Attendees
Prominent personalities in attendance included:
•Mr. Javid Tenga (President, KCCI)
•Mr. Basheer Ahmad Bashir (President, KVFGA)
•Mr. Shahid Kamili (FCIK Advisory Committee)
•Mr. Mohd Ashraf Mir (President, Fruit Mandi Shopian)
•Mr. Fayaz Ahmad (President, Fruit Mandi Sopore)
Representatives from various fruit mandis, media figures, and civil society members, such as Mr. Nazir Masoodi, Arjumand Talib, Masood Hussain, and Mr. Quansar, also actively participated in discussions on sectoral growth and sustainability.
A Unified Vision for Prosperity
The felicitation ceremony concluded with a collective resolve from all stakeholders to work together towards the sustainable development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture.
