Haryana Chief Minister Unveils First Phase of Rs 220-cr Market in Pinjore

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the first phase of a modern apple, fruit, and vegetable market in Pinjore. He announced several benefits for farmers and traders, including a reduction in market fees from 1% to 0.5%. The market aims to boost business in Panchkula district.

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Expansion of Welfare Schemes

Saini announced the expansion of the Haryana Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jiwan Suraksha Yojana, 2013. The upper age limit for coverage under this scheme has been increased from 65 to 75 years. Additionally, accidents caused by lightning will now be covered under this scheme.

Under the Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteen scheme, more canteens will be opened to provide subsidised meals at Rs 10 per plate throughout the year. Currently, 48 canteens are operational, with over 50 more planned soon.

Vivadon Ka Samadhan Policy

Regarding the Vivadon Ka Samadhan policy, Saini announced that no compound interest will be charged from plot holders in the market yard. All outstanding amounts will be calculated at simple interest only. No penal interest will be charged if instalments are paid within 20 days of the due date.

The Haryana Rural Development Fund fee on all fruits and vegetables has been abolished. The Vivadon Ka Samadhan scheme has been extended until September 30, 2024.

Market Development and Facilities

Saini claimed that the apple, fruit, and vegetable market in Pinjore will be the largest modern market in Asia. Spread over 78 acres, its construction will cost Rs 220 crore. The first phase, costing Rs 14.66 crore over 10 acres, is complete. The second phase is under progress and will be completed by December 31, 2024.

The establishment of this market will benefit fruit and vegetable farmers and traders from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. An average of 210 lakh quintals of fruits and vegetables are brought to various markets in Haryana annually.

Currently, the largest apple market is in Sector 20, Panchkula. Due to insufficient space there, this new market is being established in Pinjore. Previously, Haryana's fruit traders brought fruits from Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir directly to Delhi. Now, they can buy and sell fruits and vegetables in Pinjore.

Additional Market Developments

Saini said that Pinjore, being the gateway to Haryana from Himachal Pradesh, will become a major centre for apple trade. Apple traders from Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir are in contact with the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board for apple trade.

A horticulture market is being established in Ganaur. Similarly, a flower market is being set up in Gurugram while a spice market is coming up in Sersa village in Sonipat on about 16 acres of land at Rs 35 crore.

The BJP government has prioritised farmers' interests by providing compensation for crop losses due to natural disasters. From Beej se Bazaar, the government has provided all possible assistance to farmers. As a result, Haryana's grain production increased to over 184 lakh metric tons in 2022-23. It is a matter of pride that Haryana ranks second in contributing to the central grain reserve.

Saini said that 77 shops and plots have been sold through e-auction in this new market. The establishment of this market will provide modern facilities for maintaining and trading fruits and vegetables for traders and producers.

The Chief Minister concluded by highlighting that these initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting farmers and improving agricultural infrastructure across Haryana.