Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 6: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla has asked the Horticulture Department to gear up men and machinery for the effective implementation of Horticulture Mission in the State, adding that there was a significant improvement in productivity which has ultimately resulted in improving the financial condition of the farming community.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a high level meeting of Horticulture (Planning and Marketing) officers of Jammu and Kashmir provinces, here today.
Director Horticulture, J N Sharma, Director Horticulture (P&M), A R Natnoo, Managing Director, Syed Rafiq Ahmed Furahi, Director Planning, Agriculture Production Mohammad Ismail Teli, Additional Secretary Agriculture Production Department Muzaffar Peer besides Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Area Marketing Horticulture officers of both the regions were present in the meeting. Mr. Bhalla said Government was making all out efforts to encourage farmers to grow high-quality fruit trees to fetch attractive returns, adding that this sector is the mainstay of the State’s economy and all efforts will be made to promote this vital sector across the State.
He said Central Government has launched various schemes like Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Mission on Medicinal Plants, National Mission on Micro Irrigation and Agriculture Technology Management Agency and the farmers were benefitting well from the same. He said Government was making all out efforts to upgrade fruit plant nurseries with adequate manpower. He said under Horticulture sector, more than 70% population of the State are directly or indirectly involved and earn livelihood with sufficient business.
The Minister said Agro Climatic zones of Jammu division are blessed with varied topographic, adding that there is vast potential for growing of different kinds of fruit like Walnut, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum and Apricot in temperature agro climatic zones. He said sub-tropical areas are suited for cultivation of Mango, Guava, Citrus, Beer, Aonla, Strawberry, Olive, Pecan-nut, Kiwi and Litchi.
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