Govt taking measures to minimize fruits spoilage in Poonch: Bukhari

JAMMU: Expressing deep concern over spoilage of fruit crops in Pooch district, Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari today said the Government is taking innovative measures to minimize the damage in the district.

The Minister in this regard has issued orders, directing horticulture officials to undertake extensive measures to check loss of yield due to different causes. The Minister said for enhancing profitability in horticulture sector, focused and timely attention is to be given on checking post harvest crop losses.

“For registering higher growth rates in horticulture crops it is essential to undertake holistic and crop-specific protection measures,” he said. “This will not only help us in generating the revenue but also introduce high yielding variety of crops,” he said.

The Minister entrusted the concerned to furnish estimates of spoilage of fruit crops in Poonch district for last two years with remedial measures thereof besides submitting specific recommendations on 5 year plan for Horticulture Sector in the district.

Bukhari further directed Director Horticulture (P&M) and Director Horticulture Jammu to furnish detailed enquiry report in week’s time, after surveying the entire district to assess loss of fruits due to absence of marketing facilities during the year 2016.

“Long term plan of action will be developed once the details are compiled and assessed,” the Minister assured.