Anantnag, Sept 22: Senior NC leader and Vice District President Anantnag, Imran Amin Shah, has termed horticulture and tourism as the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, stressing the need for a comprehensive policy and all-weather road and rail connectivity to ensure hassle-free transportation for farmers and other stakeholders across the country. During his visit to the Jablipora Fruit Mandi, Shah expressed deep anguish over the lack of basic facilities, particularly cold storage. Criticizing the PDP for nepotism and neglect during its tenure, he accused former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of ignoring Anantnag — her home district — while allegedly facilitating central-sponsored cold storage units in Lassipora Pulwama and Shopian for personal interests. Imran Shah further demanded: Immediate supply of drinking water and uninterrupted electricity at Jablipora Fruit Mandi. Construction of toilet blocks for farmers and transporters. Allotment of spaces/plots to fruit traders to ensure smooth functioning. Daily water tanker supply until a permanent water line is installed. Shah urged the government to sanction at least two cold storage facilities in Bijbehara and Anantnag along the National Highway to safeguard the interests of farmers from Kulgam and Anantnag, preventing further losses due to climatic and road disruptions. Imran Shah reiterated that strengthening horticulture infrastructure and tourism is vital for economic growth in the union Territory.