Sham calls for innovative measures to enhance horticulture production

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 18: Minister for Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma has called upon the farmers to adopt innovative measures to enhance the horticulture productivity. He said Government has initiated several measures to give boost to the horticulture sector in order to meet the market demands.
Addressing the farmers at a one-day awareness camp organized by the Horticulture Department at village Gasoo in Hazratbal area, the Minister stressed upon them to adopt multi-cropping system to increase the productivity. He said State’s horticulture products are world renowned and have great demand in the market. To meet the increased demand the farmers have to use several innovative measures and latest techniques, said Mr. Sharma.
The Minister said that Government in recent years, have introduced new schemes and incentives to support the farmers and asked them to make best use of these schemes and help in improving the State’s economy. He suggested the youth to adopt the horticulture activity as a profession and lead a dignified life. He said horticulture is the only sector in the State which always remained back bone of State’s economy and major source of income for thousands of families who are directly or indirectly associated with this profession, therefore, it is need of the hour to further promote this vital sector and many more should involve themselves in this activity.
Listing the measures initiated for the welfare of farming community, the Minister said that well equipped fruit and vegetable markets have been set up in all district/tehsil headquarters to dispose off the produce of the farmers from their doorsteps.
Besides horticulture, there is also great potential of floriculture and people should shift to the commercial floriculture to upgrade their economic status. The Minister said that demand of flowers has also increased manifold during the past some years and even some times the flowers are being imported from other States, especially during festivals and marriage seasons. He appealed the farmers to go for the inter-cropping system and introduce floriculture for better returns. For their benefits the Government will be establishing two exclusive flower markets one each at Jammu and Srinagar. Besides, the airport authority has also agreed to transport the flowers to various countries from the State. of State for Horticulture and Agriculture, Javed Ahmad Dar also highlighted the importance of horticulture sector and asked the farmers to grab the opportunity.
Director Horticulture, Dr. G. H. Shah highlighted the measures initiated by the department for the promotion of horticulture in the Valley.