Novel methods being adopted to increase horticulture output in JK: Minister
Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Bukhari, today stressed on holistic planning for improving quality and Horticulture produce besides developing High Density Plant Nurseries across the State.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting of Horticulture officials to review utilization of funds under various development programs, including National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
Director Horticulture Kashmir, Mathora Masoom, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Chief Horticulture Officers besides other Horticulture officers were present in the meeting.
The Minister said that Horticulture Industry has the capacity to change the fortunes of not only the farming community but the entire State with its cascading benefits. He said that while the horticulture sector of the State currently produces 6000 metric tons of fruit it has potential to produce 40000 metric tons of the same, adding that novel methods are being adopted by the Government to increase the horticulture output. Bukhari said the Government is committed to achieve to enhance production and productivity of quality horticulture produce in the State, adding that the economic returns of farmers and the State will significantly shoot up with the adoption of high density plants.
Later, the Minister inspected the High Density Plantation orchard at Ghulab Bagh Zakoora to review the performance of high density plants planted there earlier in the year.
Speaking on the occasion, Bukahri stressed on the need for active participation of local populace in the developmental process and asked the concerned officers to reach out to the people and sensitize them about various welfare schemes being implemented by the government so that they can avail maximum benefits of these schemes.
He also directed for taking appropriate steps to associate prominent locals, political workers, Panchayat members in the planning and developmental activities to ensure durable and purposeful assets as per the local needs.
The Minister also visited a chunk of departmental land measuring 31 kanals near Habak Foreshore Road on the occasion. He directed the concerned to submit a detailed report about possibilities of developing the place for Horti-tourist attraction.
KV Correspondent
