Bilal Ur Rehman
SRINAGAR 8 November, 2024: In a significant development for the Jammu & Kashmir Fruits & Vegetables Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik has been elected as the new President, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the vital industry body. The elections, which were held on November 9, 2024, at the Directorate of Horticulture in Raj Bagh, Srinagar, saw a remarkable voter turnout of 85%, reflecting the active engagement of stakeholders. Naik’s election as President signals a fresh direction for JKPICCA, which represents Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units across the region, with a combined capacity of around 5,00,000 MT spanning 86 units.
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as the President of JKPICCA. This responsibility comes with a commitment to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the cold storage and fruit processing sectors, and I pledge to work relentlessly towards that end,” said Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik, after being elected.
Along with Naik, Mr. Arif Mir was elected as the Vice President, while Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Malik was appointed as General Secretary cum Treasurer. Speaking about the future of the association, Mr. Ishfaq Ahmad Malik emphasized, “We are committed to addressing the pressing issues of our sector and will work tirelessly to bring about meaningful reforms that will benefit all stakeholders, from growers to processors.”
The election process, which was overseen by an esteemed panel of observers, was hailed for its transparency and fairness. The Election Commission, led by Irshad Ahmad, Ashaq Hussain Shangloo, and Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, ensured that the elections were conducted smoothly, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
Mr. Majid Aslam Wafai, the outgoing President, congratulated the newly elected office-bearers, expressing confidence in their ability to steer the association towards new successes. “The future of JKPICCA is in capable hands,” Wafai remarked, reaffirming his trust in the new leadership team.
The election proceedings were observed by a host of key figures, including Faiz Bakshi, Secretary General of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI); Syed Shabbir, General Manager of DIC Pulwama; and Mukhtar Ahmad, President of the Industrial Association, Lassipora, among others.
As the new leadership takes charge, JKPICCA’s role in bridging the gap between stakeholders and advancing the interests of the cold storage and fruit processing industries in Jammu & Kashmir is set to grow even more crucial in the coming years.
