First vegetable market inaugurated in garrison city

Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha inaugurated on Sunday the long-awaited first vegetable and fruit market of the garrison city.

The vegetable and fruit market covers an area of 20 kanals. According to available information, it has been established on rented land in the Rawat area near Chak Beli Khan in the suburbs of the garrison city. The approximately three million residents of Rawalpindi were expected to benefit from the produce available at this market.

At the inauguration, the special secretary of the agriculture department Syeda Kulsoom, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, and other officers were present.

Commissioner Chatha noted that the setting up of the vegetable and fruit market aligned with the public and farmer-friendly programme of the Punjab chief minister. He said regular bidding at the market would commence from today (Monday).

He said the market would increase regional agricultural trade with the benefits extended to the population living in adjoining areas including Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan, Kahuta, Rawalpindi city and the cantonment areas.

The commissioner said that the residents of Rawalpindi had to travel towards Islamabad to access the vegetable and fruit market. Now, the market in Rawat would streamline the supply of fruits and vegetables for both the suburban and remote areas of Rawalpindi. It will also contribute to the local agricultural economy, he added.

Chatha noted that the metropolis had a desperate need for a separate vegetable and fruit market. “By establishing the market, the long-standing demand of the citizens of Rawalpindi has been fulfilled which will also provide employment opportunities to the local people,” he said.

Agriculture department’s Syeda Kulsoom noted that the setting up of the market had been welcomed by the residents of Rawalpindi.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2023.