To review the progress of Agriculture and Horticulture sectors, Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari held a meeting of officers at Agriculture Complex Lal Mandi here today.Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Joint Director Agriculture Inputs and Chief Horticulture Officers of Kashmir division and other concerned were present in the meeting.Commissioner Secretary impressed upon the officers to reach out to farmers and address their problems. He directed the Horticulture officers to make the plans for the five years in their districts for rejuvenation of old orchards, planting of new orchards of high density, reclamation of old orchards and providing subsidy on spray pumps and equipment besides on fungicide/spray oils, to increase the production of fruit crops and thereby economic conditions of orchard growers.
While reviewing the seed supplies and remittances of Agriculture Department, Commissioner Secretary impressed upon the Joint Director Inputs to make the purchases as per the specified norms and ensure that quality seeds are procured and provided to farmers. He directed the officers to clear the remittances of sale proceeds immediately and instructed for stern action against defaulters.