Pulwama, J & K : The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits & Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has sought sector-specific banking support from Jammu and Kashmir Bank to strengthen the horticulture and cold chain industry in Jammu and Kashmir, while also proposing ₹5 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assistance for the beautification and environmental improvement of SIDCO Industrial Growth Centre, Lassipora, Pulwama.

In a memorandum submitted to the bank, the association highlighted the need for competitive lending rates, flexible repayment arrangements and timely disbursement of sanctioned loans to support horticulture-based enterprises, cold storage facilities and food-processing units across the Union Territory.

The association emphasised that the horticulture and cold-chain industry requires substantial capital investment and operates within seasonal revenue cycles. It urged the bank to consider rationalising lending margins, extending interest concessions to eligible and viable projects, and introducing suitable financial incentives for modernisation, energy efficiency and the expansion of post-harvest infrastructure.

JKPICCA also called for streamlining loan-processing procedures and reducing turnaround time for sanctions and disbursements. It recommended a time-bound mechanism for scrutiny of documents, prompt communication of deficiencies, reduction of repetitive documentation and appointment of a nodal officer to address issues faced by horticulture and cold chain enterprises.

The memorandum further stressed the need for a constructive and transparent audit mechanism that provides borrowers a reasonable opportunity to respond to observations and rectify procedural deficiencies. The association also requested the bank to examine the possibility of reducing or waiving processing fees, foreclosure charges, takeover charges and other incidental banking costs for eligible units, wherever permissible under applicable regulations.

₹5 Crore CSR Proposal for SIDCO Lassipora
A key proposal in the memorandum seeks ₹5 crore in CSR assistance from J&K Bank for the beautification, landscaping and environmental development of SIDCO Industrial Growth Centre, Lassipora.

The association noted that SIDCO Lassipora is an important industrial hub supporting controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, horticulture-based enterprises, food-processing units and manufacturing establishments, besides providing employment to a substantial workforce.
It said the proposed CSR assistance could help create a cleaner, greener and better-organised industrial environment, benefiting industrial units, employees, visitors and the surrounding community. JKPICCA also offered to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to identify priority areas and facilitate implementation through an authorised mechanism with appropriate monitoring, financial accountability and maintenance arrangements.

The association has additionally called for regular institutional consultations between J&K Bank and representatives of the horticulture and cold-chain industry to address recurring financial challenges, review sector-specific credit requirements and develop practical solutions within the applicable regulatory framework.

JKPICCA urged the bank’s management to consider the proposed banking reforms and the ₹5 crore CSR request favourably, stating that improved access to finance and better industrial infrastructure would help encourage investment, strengthen employment generation and contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s sustainable economic development.

The association expressed its willingness to meet the bank’s senior management to discuss the proposals and work towards solutions that support local businesses and strengthen the region’s horticulture based economy.