SRINAGAR: Government has reconstituted the State Horticulture Development Board which will guide formulation of policies governing integrated development of horticulture industry in the State and identification of short-term and long-term strategies.
As per a notification issued by the State Government, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will be the chairperson of the Board while Minister for Finance, Culture and Labour & Employment will be the vice-chairman. Minister of State for Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks, will be the member of the Board.
The Board will guide formulation of policies governing integrated development of horticulture industry in the State and identifying short-term and long-term strategies as per the policies; have short-term and long-term plan, programmes and action plans prepared for achieving specific objectives and targets and prescribe a definite time-frame for achieving such targets/objectives.
The board will also review, monitor and oversee their implementation from time to time; take stock of all existing schemes both State and Central and to take decision on their continuance or otherwise, with or without such changes or modifications as may be considered necessary; devise and approve all major development programmes/ schemes of horticulture sector, find and sanction resources for implementation of such programmes/schemes including exploring possibilities of financing of capital intensive projects form external sources and financial institutions.
It will also consider and approve adoption of appropriate technologies and practices available within and outside the country; capacity building by way of visits to other parts of the country or abroad for acquiring necessary information, training and skills on advances in horticulture products and practices; consider and approve appropriate post harvest strategies and market mechanisms for the horticulture produce including development/strengthening of infrastructure within the State and outside in order to optimize returns to growers; putting in place end- to-end management of horticulture produce integrating production, processing and marketing.
The board will also consider undertaking specific surveys, study research, etc; evolve and approve strategy for setting up fruit based industry in the State and consider/approve measures to promote such type of units; and bring about greater synergy between research (lab), extension and actual cultivation (land). (AGENCIES)
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