The State Government is undertaking various developmental works keeping the interests of farmers and traders in mind. Roads and other infrastructural facilities are being developed to ensure that the produce of farmers is able to reach the market. The State Finance minister Indira Hridayesh said this after launching various developmental works costing `4.52 crore in the presence of labour minister Harish Chandra Durgapal, Mandi Parishad head Dr Shailendra Mohan Singhal and the Mandi head Sumit Hridayesh in Haldwani.
Speaking on the occasion the Finance minister said that Haldwani is one of the largest and oldest functioning market of the State. Agricultural produce from across the Kumaon region arrives in the Haldwani market. Efforts are being made to develop the Haldwani market to keep it abreast of the changing times. She informed that clearance of about 25 acre forest land adjoining the Haldwani Mandi had been facilitated to enable expansion of the Mandi. A sum of about `21 crore will be spent on this to facilitate the expansion of the Mandi. Traders on waiting list will be allocated shops in the extended Mandi, she said, while adding that the trade of flowers, fish and other commercial activities will be conducted in the extended market. Plants will also be set up for ripening of fruits like banana, papaya and mango while a cold storage will also be facilitated. The minister also asked the Mandi officials to prepare a proposal for providing a meal for `20 for farmers arriving here from remote rural areas.
Speaking on the occasion, labour minister HC Durgapal stressed on the need for modernisation of Mandis for ensuring that the farmers of mountainous regions get adequate price for their produce.
Farmers will definitely benefit from modern facilities being provided at the Haldwani Mandi, he added.