Outlining the importance of Horticulture sector, Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga today said the coalition government is giving thrust to the sector in view of its huge employability and economic potential.Addressing the farmers after inaugurating the Fruit -cum –Kissan Mela at Vijaypur, the Minister stressed on holding more such Melas to disseminate information regarding advanced technology in the horticulture sector. He said that introduction of new technology have revolutionized the Horticulture and its allied sectors adding that it is the responsibility of government to adopt these techniques.He said the government has set a target to make the horticulture sector more profitable for which the government has launched a number of welfare schemes to strengthen the socio-economic status of the farming community. He said that horticulture has a huge potential of employability and called upon the youth to adopt it as a profession.
He directed the officers to draft a comprehensive policy for the development of Horticulture sector by covering area expansion under Horticulture crops based on agro-climatic suitability. He asked the officers to ensure production and distribution of quality planting material of horticulture plants.Underlining the need for improving the soil productivity, the Minister emphasized to adopt vermin-compost to enhance the scale of organic productivity. He also asked the concerned officials to involve Self Help Groups while implementing various development activities for empowerment of women.Minister of State for Horticulture, Education, Tourism Priya Sethi while speaking on the occasion asked the concerned officers to organize awareness camps in their respective areas to sensitize the farmer about the latest knowhow of Horticulture sector besides generating awareness regarding welfare schemes launched by the state and central government.
She urged upon the farmers to come forward and avail benefits from schemes of Horticulture and its allied sectors like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yogna (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yogna (PMFBY), Soil Health Card etc.Earlier the Ministers inspected the various stalls set up by farmers and the department, to showcase their horticulture activities. The Ministers appreciated the efforts of vegetable growers.Rashpaul Verma, Vice-Chairman J&K State Advisory Board for the Welfare & Development of other Backward Classes, MLA Samba Devinder Kumar Manyal, Deputy Commissioner Samba Sheetal Nanda, Director Horticulture Department Bhawani Rakwal besides orchardists and farmers in large number were present on the occasion.