Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 6: Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri today assumed the charge of his office and held introductory meeting with the officers of the Department.
Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture Production, Dr. Asgar Samoon and Commissioner Secretary, Revenue, Haj and Auqaf, Vinod Koul briefed the Minister on the working of their respective departments.
The Minister said that the Government will encourage farmers engaged in horticulture cultivation for producing high-quality fruit products to fetch attractive returns. He said horticulture is the mainstay of the state’s economy and all efforts will be made to promote this vital sector. “In the era of competition in the market, quality control is a must and we have to focus on this area to maintain the credibility of State’s horticulture produce, “he asserted.
The Minister asked the officers to furnish their requirements, if any, to the Ministry so that these could be fulfilled to enhance the efficiency and working capabilities of the organization.
Mr Veeri said that all ranks of the force form the organization and each member of the organization has to work with dedication making public service their motive. He called upon the authorities concerned to come up with innovative ideas and plans for further growth of horticulture in the state.
The Minister said that horticulture sector is backbone of State’s economy and this sector would remain among the prime priorities of the present Government. He said various schemes have been introduced to increase the horticulture produce besides ensuring availability of advanced techniques to improve and maintain quality.
The Minister also stressed upon the concerned officers to personally monitor on-going projects being implemented under various schemes across the State, adding that proper monitoring, judicious utilization of funds and optimal use of the resources will ensure timely completion of these projects which will benefit the farmers at the grass root level.
Emphasising on strengthening the departmental nurseries, Mr Veeri asked the officers to work with dedication and zeal to make the department vibrant. He asked them to adopt modern technology and scientific methods to maximize horticulture produce.
The Minister also enjoined upon the officers to generate awareness among the farmers regarding the latest techniques and methods for increasing production and maintaining standards. He suggested use of more and more organic farming inputs in the horticulture sector.
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