DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the International Horticulture Market being developed in Ganaur, Sonipat, is one of the state's most significant and prestigious projects, and its operation must be ensured at the earliest. He directed officers concerned to ensure that no administrative or technical hurdles come in the way of its functioning.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has personally been reviewing the progress report of this project from time to time, and efforts will be made to have the inauguration of this International Horticulture Market done by the Prime Minister himself.

He directed that a special nodal officer be appointed to effectively implement the operational process of the market, who will coordinate with the state government, central government, and related departments to ensure necessary action.

The Chief Minister further said that the project consultant should ensure that detailed information about the market's structure, potential, and facilities reaches not only Haryana but also other states and countries.

Traders from Delhi's Azadpur Mandi as well as apple growers from states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir will benefit greatly from this market, as it is well-connected by a strong road network, facilitating easy transportation of fruits and vegetables.

In the meeting it was informed that this state-of-the-art market is being developed on 544 acres of land, out of which 350 acres will have 17 modern sheds. Provisions for vertical marketing will also be included.

Parking facilities for 5,500 trucks and about 15,000 cars are also planned. It was also informed that the tender process for this Rs. 2,595-crore project has already been approved by the technical committee.

The Chief Minister approved the tender under the 'Business Operation Plan,' under which only those interested investors having a minimum of 100 acres of cultivation experience in horticulture and an annual turnover of at least Rs. 100 crore will be considered eligible.

The Chief Minister suggested that guidance and advice should also be sought from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Central Government to make this project more useful and globally competitive.

(editor@dailyworld.in)