Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 6: To boost productivity in agriculture and other allied sectors, Governor N.N Vohra directed officials today to enforce strict check on sale of spurious fertilizers and chemicals to farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The enforcement wings of the Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied departments should work closely and keep effective check to ensure against spurious fertilizers and chemicals being sold to the farmers. The enforcement wings shall be held responsible if there is any default,” Vohra observed during a review meeting with Advisor Khurshid Ganai; Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K; Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir; Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu; Vice-Chancellor, ISUT; Commissioner Agriculture; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Director Agriculture Kashmir; Director Horticulture, Kashmir; and other concerned senior officials at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Campus.
The Governor asked Advisor Ganai to take urgent action for SKUAST-K being able to energize its Testing Laboratory for prompt testing of fertilizers, pesticides, oils etc. He directed Divisional Commissioner to mobilize all concerned officers and become responsible for this important task.
The Governor observed that the Agriculture Department must make sure that the farmers and fruit growers across the State get hassle-free services and keep close check on the rates, quality and availability of the inputs required by the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The meeting was informed that ‘Tree Spray Oil’ has been distributed at all the district headquarters after Advisor Ganai took a meeting with the supplying oil companies. The Governor asked the Divisional Commissioner to notify the authorized rate for the tree spray oil distributed by the various dealers across the State.
Regarding the soil and pesticide testing facilities, the Governor asked Advisor to see that the required funds were immediately released to make the SKUAST-K Laboratory fully functional with in the next few days. He also advised the Vice-Chancellor and the Agriculture Department to encourage and enable establishment of Laboratories at various places in the Valley.
“Why should a farmer from Kupwara has to visit SKUAST-K Srinagar campus for testing of soil or any other sample”? he asked.
The Governor stressed the importance of high density apple plant nurseries being set up in the Valley to enable increase of horticulture produce and uplift of the State economy. He also called for planned initiatives for creating awareness about various schemes and latest techniques in agriculture and horticulture sectors.
VC, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Malik, briefed the Governor about various issues pertaining to the functioning of the University. He informed that, as on date, all the admissions in UG, PG & Ph.D programmes stand completed. KVK Srinagar has been shifted and started functioning from Narkara and land allotment for KVK Budgam, Kupwara, Shopian and Bandipora is still required. The VC disclosed that this year 59 students of Master’s programme had qualified Junior Research Fellowship of Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Meanwhile, Governor inaugurated two day Technological Exhibition Cum Seed Mela at Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences- Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
This Mela is being organized by the University essentially to promote and propagate the adaption of improved farming systems in Kashmir. The Governor visited the stalls and interacted with officials of the University to know more about the products being offered to farmers. He was informed that most of the products available at the Mela are the outcome of innovations made by the researchers at the University.
The Governor stressed the need to reduce the distance between the laboratory and the fields so that every farmer is benefited. He said that the farmers should be encouraged to adopt the latest technologies.
The Governor stressed the need to promote organic farming as it will not only bring benefit to the farmers but also ensure that the environment of Kashmir is saved from the effects of harmful chemicals.
The Governor said that agriculture sector is the backbone of the State’s economy and every effort must be made to modernize it. He said that the development of agriculture sector will benefit over 60 % of the State’s population and usher in a new era of progress. He noted that Jammu and Kashmir has a rich stock of flora and fauna and with better management of its agri-products the State can progress rapidly.
The Governor was accompanied by his Advisor, Khurshid Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, Vice-Chancellor, ISUT, Commis-sioner Secretary Agri-culture, Divisional Commissi-oner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Director Horticulture, Kashmir and other senior administrative officials.
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