Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 4: A meeting of Kissan Board members was held here today under the chairmanship of Vice-Chairman (MoS) State Advisory Board for Development of Kissans (SABDK). The meeting discussed various issues regarding development of the farmers.
Various issues like credit facility on micro-irrigation scheme, venture capital for agri-business development and expansion of commercial floriculture on modern lines were discussed threadbare in the meeting.
Secretary, SABDK, GN Mir, in his power point presentation gave details of functioning of Board and put forth the issue of providing trouble free banking facilities to the farmers of State with the authorities of J&K Bank.
The members raised the points of development of commercial floriculture on modern lines with complete know-how, practical on-farm training and financial assistance under various Central sponsored schemes in Kashmir division.
President, J&K Bank, Nalyeemullah and Mission Director, National Micro Irrigation Scheme, Sonam Narboo, agreed to make a bankable scheme for promotion of micro-irrigation in the State for upliftment of the farming community.
Director, Floriculture, Sunil Misri, assured for all possible help from the department for promotion of commercial floriculture in Kashmir.
Stating that growing of flowers, multiplication of bulbs, corms, cut-flowers etc is gaining popularity and has given employment to many youth besides providing additional income to the villagers, Radhey Sham Sharma in his concluding address, stressed for organizing this sector with focus to provide quality planting material, technology and market support.
He maintained that growing of flower bulbs can be scientifically organized in the temperate areas, which will result in self employment opportunities and culminate our dependence on import of bulbs from Holland and other areas.
He opined that the two markets with suitable storage arrangements for Srinagar and Jammu can be established to provide market support to this sector.
Tajinder Singh, M Sultan Shaheen, Wasim Pandit and Javid Ahmed were among the members who attended the meet.