Context:

• The inauguration of Asia's largest modern fruit and vegetable market in Pinjore, Haryana, is a landmark development in the agricultural landscape of the region. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize the way fruits and vegetables are traded, providing a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the efficiency of distribution and supports the livelihoods of farmers and traders alike.

Key Points:

• Strategically situated in Pinjore, the market spans an impressive 78 acres with an estimated construction cost of Rs 220 crore. The project is being developed in phases, with the first phase covering 10 acres completed at a cost of Rs 14.66 crore. The second phase is anticipated to be completed soon, further expanding the market's capabilities and facilities.

Modern facilities:

The market is designed to cater to the needs of modern agricultural trade, featuring:

• Cold storage and controlled environment storage: These facilities are crucial for preserving the freshness and quality of produce, reducing spoilage and waste.
• Modern auction platforms: These platforms will facilitate transparent and efficient transactions, ensuring fair prices for both farmers and traders.
• Parking facilities: Ample parking space is provided for traders and farmers, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
• Future amenities: Plans for additional features include air-conditioned auction halls and packaging units, which will further streamline operations and improve the trading experience.

Benefits for farmers and traders

Economic advantages

• The establishment of this market is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs and time for farmers, particularly those from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Previously, these farmers had to travel approximately 250 km to reach Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, often facing logistical challenges such as traffic congestion and tolls. The new market's proximity—about 90 km from major apple-producing regions—will allow farmers to save both time and money, thereby increasing their profitability.

Market fees benefits

• To further incentivize trade, the Haryana government has reduced market fees from 1% to 0.5%. This reduction makes it more economically viable for traders to operate within this new facility, encouraging greater participation and competition in the market.

Impact on local economy

• The introduction of this market is poised to transform Pinjore into a central hub for apple trade in northern India. It is expected to benefit local farmers significantly while attracting traders from nearby regions. This influx of trade will help meet the growing demand for fruits and vegetables in urban centers such as Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali, thereby stimulating the local economy.