Javed Ahmad Dar, Jammu & Kashmir’s Minister for Horticulture, Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Elections, on Wednesday inaugurated a macadamisation project worth Rs 11.76 million at Sopore’s Fruit Mandi — Asia’s second-largest fruit market.

The ceremony was attended by Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, Director of Horticulture Gh Jeelani Zargar, ADC Sopore S A Raina (JKAS), and Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmad Malik, widely known as Kaka G.

Addressing the media, Minister Dar stated that the project will improve transport, enhance infrastructure, and benefit thousands involved in Kashmir’s fruit trade. “This mandi is the backbone of Kashmir’s horticulture economy. These developments support growers, transporters and traders alike,” he said.

He also revealed that another development initiative worth Rs 200 million is in the pipeline. This future project will focus on beautification and additional infrastructure improvements at the Sopore Fruit Mandi, aiming to bring the market up to modern standards.

Local residents and fruit traders welcomed the macadamisation work, calling it a long-overdue step. “This is a major relief for growers, labourers and transporters who depend on this mandi daily,” said a representative of the trading community.