Excelsior Correspondent
BARAMULLA, Nov 3: As part of Union Govt’s Public Outreach Programme, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shoba Karandlaje who is on two days visit to Baramulla, today took part in a series of events and activities during the extensive programme.
The Minister also visited developmental projects and took stock of development scenario of the district.
At the outset, the Minister paid visit to Fruit Mandi Sopore where she interacted with the Fruit Growers Association, progressive orchardists and farmers.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, Senior Superintendent of Police Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Planning Mohammad Yousuf Rather besides other functionaries of concerned departments were present.
During an interaction, the representatives of Fruit Growers Association Sopore and district administration put forth some issues and demands which included establishment of food processing unit and cold storage units and highway upgradation for smooth transportation of fruits. They also appraised the Minister that sufficient funds should be made available for agricultural infrastructure development in Baramulla.
While reiterating that farmers welfare is among the top priority of the present dispensation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister affirmed that all the requests, issues and grievances projected have been noted and the same would be taken up at Union level as well as with Lieutenant Governor for redressal.
Later, the Minister also chaired an interactive meeting with several public delegations and PRI representatives at Dak Banglow and heard various issues related to the developmental scenario of the district.
The Chairperson, District Development Council Baramulla, Safeena Beigh appraised the Minister about welfare measures of the farmers. Safina Beigh also highlighted the sale of spurious fertilizers in open markets which needs to be checked for growth of agriculture sector.
DDC Chairperson projected that farmers and growers need to be linked to science and technology for availing benefits under various farmer’s welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, various public delegations also projected their demands meant for the overall socio-economic development of the district.
Assuring the representatives of timely resolution of their issues, the Minister said that the Union Government is actively working for the development of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Discussing other measures for farmers, the Minister also said that food processing units will be established in PPP mode to boost the growth of agriculture market in the UT.
Later, the Union Minister chaired a separate meeting with all the concerned officers in order to take a holistic review of pace of progress on some of the major development projects undertaken by different executing agencies in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla presented a district profile and briefed the chair of every sector including agriculture, horticulture and health.
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