Veggie market to be come up in Lahaul-Spiti

Dipender Manta

Mandi, July 28

The state government has allocated Rs 2.19 crore for the establishment of a much-awaited vegetable market at Karga in Lahaul and Spiti district. The decision comes as relief for local farmers, who have long been grappling with logistical challenges in selling their produce in the absence of a market. Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana confirmed that a market would come up in the district. She expressed satisfaction over the approval of funds.

Will reduce produce transportation cost

• The absence of a local vegetable market has been causing hardships to the farmers of the Lahaul valley
• At present, farmers are compelled to transport their agricultural produce to distant markets, often encountering delays and damaged roads
• This situation not only incurs additional costs but also results in the spoilage of perishable agricultural produce, thereby impacting the profitability of their harvests
• The new vegetable market at Karga is expected to address various challenges faced by farmers.

Anuradha said that the proposal for a vegetable market, which was a long-standing demand of the local farmers, had finally been fulfilled. The tender process for the market had been completed, paving the way for immediate commencement of the construction work.

She assured farmers that the construction of the market would commence soon. The facility was being set up not only to benefit farmers but also to stimulate economic activities in the region. It was anticipated to become a hub for agricultural commerce, attracting vendors and buyers from across the district, she added.

She said, “The initiative is part of the government’’s broader efforts to boost agricultural infrastructure and support rural economy. By investing in facilities like the vegetable market at Karga, the state government aim to empower local farmers, strengthen food security and foster sustainable economic growth in the region.”

Mohan Lal Relingpa, a resident of the Lahaul valley, expressed optimism about the upcoming market. “We have been eagerly awaiting the establishment of a vegetable market in the Lahaul valley for a long time. With the approval of the budget, we are hopeful that the market will be established soon,” he said.

As preparations for the construction of the market gathers momentum, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating its positive impact on the agricultural landscape of the Lahaul valley.