Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla, today said that fruit growers have a greater role in boosting horticulture produce with the help of a number of State and Centrally sponsored schemes being launched in the State.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering at Shanti Nagar in Kunjwani after inaugurating the one-day awareness camp organised by the Directorate of Horticulture, here today.
Director Horticulture, Anil Kumar Sharma, besides other senior officers of the department and farmers were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Bhalla distributed about 1000 high density plant kits under Horticulture Mission for North East Himalayan States scheme among the fruit growers.
The Minister said that Government is committed to provide marketing facilities to the farmers at their doorsteps and for this purpose the fruit and vegetable markets are being strengthened across the country by constructing Kissan Bhawan with all infrastructural facilities. He said Horticulture Ministry is working on a comprehensive plan to provide improved basic facilities to fruit and vegetable growers at Satellite and Apni mandies.
Bhalla stressed upon mechanization and diversification in farming to make it a profitable business. He said that the Diesel Ploughs have been introduced for the first time in hilly areas of the State which is showing good results. He said that adequate promotion needs to be given to different schemes launched under horticulture sector so that those living in rural areas could get benefit of the same. He said that the department is trying its best to reach out to all the farmers to assist them in increasing their production. He said that the farmers should also adopt dairying activity for income generation. He asked the farmers to adopt organic farming in their fields to get maximum returns.
At Ashok Nagar, Satwari, Bhalla announced Rs.30 lakh for face lifting of grave yard. He asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to immediately start the construction of lane and drain including waiting shed and drinking water reservoir at grave yard to facilitate the Muslim brethren.
The Minister informed the people that Government has earmarked Rs. 19 crore for construction of three subways on Kunjwani Satwari road including road widening upto 6-lane and High Mast Lights on road dividers. He said the project would be started within seven days after completing tendering formalities.
Later, the Minister also visited Sumali Mohalla in Chatha village and kick started construction of lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 6 lakh under Model Village Satwari funding. He asked the accompanying Block Development Officer to complete the construction work of lanes and drains within stipulated time frame by using quality material.
On the occasion, Bhalla also distributed 20 cheques under Rural Sanitation Schemes for construction of latrines in the houses of poor of the locality.
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