Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 10: Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri has called for facilitating quality pesticides and fertilizers to the orchardists emphasizing on popularizing modern techniques for enhancing fruit production and its marketing.
This was stated by the Minister while reviewing the functioning of Horticulture Department of Jammu division at a high level officers meeting held here today.
Minister of State for Transport, Horticulture and Rural Development, Abdul Ghani Kohli was present in the meeting.
Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture Production, Dr. Asgar Samoon gave detailed brief of the horticulture activities in the State. Director Horticulture, Jammu gave a resume about physical and financial achievements registered in Jammu division.
The Minister underscored the need for maintaining quality control of pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers and directed concerned to activate the services of enforcement wings to put a check on sale of spurious pesticides harming the horticulture produce.
Mr. Veeri laid emphasis on promotion of protective cultivation in far flung areas of Jammu division to help farmers to get returns during winters also. He exhorted upon field functionaries to tap huge horticulture potential in the region and bring more area under the area expansion programme to increase plantation of high yielding varieties. He asked the field functionaries to strengthen the departmental nurseries to produce quality plants so that farmers get the certified plant material.
The Minister called for close coordination between Horticulture and Sher-e-Kashmir Agriculture University of Sciences and Technology (SKAUST) so that maximum farmers are benefited.
Veeri directed for judicious use of funds available under the horticulture sector. He said various centrally sponsored schemes are being implemented for the farmers with an aim to improve their living standard.
The Minister said that focused attention should be paid on the production of quality horticulture produce and its proper export to the terminal markets ensuring substantial returns to the fruit growers. He said while fruit markets in State need to be upgraded, the adequate transport facilities and regulation of exports to outside markets also requires priority attention.
The Minister of State for Horticulture emphasized on promoting the production of Mango, litchi and Guava in Jammu, Kathua and Samba area, Stone Fruits in Poonch, Rajouri and Temperate Fruits both fresh and dry in Doda and Kishtwar Districts.
The Minister directed the officers to sensitize the farmers about the latest technologies so that the same could yield improved results in the field. He said Government also provides attractive incentives for the promotion of horticulture and people should come in a big way to avail these benefits and contribute in enhancing the GDP rate of the State.
Director Horticulture Marketing and Planning, Managing Director, JKHPMC, Director Planning Agriculture Production, Chief Horticulture Officers and District Horticulture Officers of all districts attended the meeting.
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