Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 18: Minister for Horticulture, Raman Bhalla has stressed the need for stepping up efforts to generate awareness amongst the farming community about the innovative techniques to boost the horticulture production in the State. He said more than 70 per cent people are directly or indirectly engaged in horticulture activities and contribute major share in State’s economy, therefore, the Government will do everything possible to safeguard their interests.
Mr Bhalla was addressing a large gathering of farmers and horticulture officers at an awareness programme, organized by the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) (CITH) at Rangreth, here today.
Commissioner/Secretary, Horticulture Department, Dr. Asgar Samoon, Director, CITH, Dr. Nazir Ahmed, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Sonam Narboo, Chief Horticulture Officers, Horticulture Development Officers, Scientists of CITH and large number of farmers from different parts of the State were present on the occasion.
Maintaining that awareness is an important aspect to enhance the productivity and evolving new varieties, Minster said that farmers should take part in every awareness camp being organized by the Government and update themselves with latest techniques. He asked the Institute to organize such camps in every nook and corner of the State to educate the farmers about the techniques and benefits so that more and more farmers involve themselves in this important sector. He said State Government will work in close coordination with the CITH and extend every necessary support in promoting horticulture in the State.
Saying that State has vast potential for horticulture, the Minister observed that Government would take all necessary measures to tap new avenues in the uncovered areas. He said the Government has also been exploring possibilities to set up fruit processing and packaging units in the fruit rich areas to utilize the surplus products, besides the Doabgah Juice Plant will also be revived to its full capacity.
Regarding marketing facilities, the Minister said that Government has strengthened the network of fruit markets and a good number of new markets have been established in the horticulture rich areas so that the farmers can sell and liquidate their products at their doorsteps.
Asking the Scientists of CITH to share all vital information relating to the new techniques with the officers of the State Government, the Minister maintained that this is important for realizing the common goal. He said CITH and Horticulture Department should act as a bridge between the farmers in mitigating their problems. He asked the scientists to work hard on introducing varieties keeping in mind the changing environment patterns.
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