Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 15: Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla, today said that the Government was committed to provide every type of support to the fruit growers to promote this lucrative activity across the State.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of farmers, fruit growers besides Sarpanchs and Panchs after inaugurating one-day Mega Awareness-cum-Exposure Camp held at Maralian Dak Banglow.
MLA Bishnah, Ashwani Sharma, Director Horticulture J N Sharma, Director Horticulture (Planning and Marketing) A R Natnoo, Managing Director Horticulture Planning Marketing Corporation Syed Rafiq Ahmed, Joint Director Sonam Narboo, Chief Horticulture Officers of Jammu division, besides other senior officers of Horticulture Department were present on the occasion.
Mr. Bhalla said that State’s economy is primarily rural while horticulture and floriculture are major areas providing livelihood to the farmers and highlighted the significance of these sectors in the overall development of the State. He also exhorted upon the farmer community to come forward and take the benefits of Centrally sponsored schemes under Horticulture Mission launched in North East and Himalayan States (HMNH) for boosting horticulture production.
He said that under the scheme Government was giving adequate subsidy on purchase of new equipment and establishing new orchards in the State.The Minister said that attention was required to be focused on the horticulture, floriculture and agriculture productions and its proper export to the terminal and satellite markets and ensure substantial returns to the farmers.
Mr. Bhalla asked the officers to gear up men and machinery for the effective implementation of Horticulture Mission in the State, adding that there was a significant improvement in productivity which has ultimately resulted in improving the financial condition of the farming community.
Later, the Minister also distributed seventy-nine incentives cheques worth Rs. 6.50 lakh among the progressive orchardists of Akhnoor, Khour, Bhalwal, Marh, Satwari block, R S Pura, Bishnah and Dansal besides horticulture tool kits.
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