Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture, Raman Bhalla today asked the officers of Horticulture Department to create awareness among the fruit growers about the incentives available under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), which ensures subsidy on purchase of new equipments for establishing orchards in the State.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of farmers, fruit growers besides Sarpanchs and Panchs after inaugurating one-day awareness-cum-exposure camp held at Pandorian village in Bishan town, here today.
Member Legislative Assembly, Ashwani Sharma, Director Horticulture, J N Sharma, Director Horticulture (Planning and Marketing), A R Natnoo, Managing Director, Horticulture Planning Marketing Corporation, Syed Rafiq Ahmed, Joint Director, Ajay Sharma besides other senior officers of Revenue and Horticulture were present on the occasion.
Bhalla said that the Government is committed to provide every support to fruit growers for promotion of this lucrative activity across the State. He called upon the farmers to avail maximum benefit under this Centrally sponsored scheme. Under the scheme, the Government provides various incentives for establishment of new orchards which included 75% of the cost i.e. Rs. 75000 per hectare in three installments subject to survival rate of 75% in 2nd year and 90% in 3rd year for fruit crops like Grapes, Strawberry, Kiwi, Passion fruit etc.
Bhalla said for establishment of medicinal plant nurseries, Government provides 50% subsidy to maximum of Rs. 10 lakh for 4 hectare under estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakh.
The Minister said that awareness camps provide an opportunity to the fruit growers to share experiences and get knowledge about the new marketing strategies at a single platform. He hoped that the Fruit Festival and Photo Exhibition would prove beneficial to the fruit growers of the State.
Bhalla asked the officers to gear up their men and machinery for 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.
The Minister 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 country.
Earlier, Bhalla also visited Sanjay Nagar Extn-4 to take stock of upgradation work on lanes and drains and asked the executing agency to complete the works within prescribed time frame.
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