Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 10: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today called upon the farmers to avail benefits available under Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNH) scheme to secure better returns for their horticulture produce.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of farmers after inaugurating one-day divisional level fruit show at Upper Gaddigarh, here today.
Minister of State for Horticulture Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, District Development Commissioner Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Director Horticulture Anil Sharma, Additional District Development Commissioner Rehana Batul besides large number of fruit and vegetable growers of Jammu region were present on the occasion.
Mr Bhalla said farmers are the eyes, ears and arms of the Government, adding that Government has launched several schemes to improve their social and economic status their living standard.
The Minister said that efforts are on to construct more cold storage plants and fruit processing units across the country with the objective to give boost to horticulture sector on large scale. He said that aim of the Government was to create awareness among fruit growers of the State for cultivation of cash crops by organizing seasonal divisional level fruit shows.
Mr Bhalla said that strawberry cultivation in Jammu division is picking up fast and the fruit growers of Jammu, Kathua and Samba are getting good returns from this crop. He said the growers can fetch a good return within a short time as the Horticulture Department is providing an incentive of cash assistance of Rs 3750 for one kanal under Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan states scheme in cost intensive component. He said even small and marginal farmers can avail the incentive under the scheme.
He asked the officers to motivate the growers and traders to ensure that quality fruit and vegetable were brought to the market, adding that in this era of competition the quality control is must and
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Horticulture Nazir Ahmed Gurezi asked the officers to put in their best efforts to enhance the business activities in their jurisdictions to improve the State’s economy further.
Earlier, Mr Bhalla and Mr Gurezi inspected the stalls of Horticulture produce put up by the Horticulture Department at the venue. Later, Mr Bhalla distributed cheques amounting to Rs 5.5 lakh and merit certificates to best horticulture growers.
Follow our WhatsApp channel