Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Bukhari today said that present government is committed to promote the pisiculture in the State for which various initiatives are afoot.The Minister said this during a function, wherein, he distributed 25 bicycles among fishermen of the district. The initiative is a part of centrally sponsored scheme of ‘Blue Revolution’ which aims at enhancing the production of fish and other marine resources in the country.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the valley is endowed with huge resources of fish and need of the hour is to adopt it as an employment avenue, besides inculcating modern and scientific methods in the sector.District Development Commissioner Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash, Joint Director Planning A G Malik, ACD Baramulla, CMO, AD Fisheries and various other district and sectoral officers were present on the occasion.Terming horticulture as a backbone of State’s economy, the Minister said that strengthening this sector remains as the top priority of the present dispensation, adding that a sufficient allocation of funds has been made in the recently presented 2018-19 budget.Meanwhile, he urged the farmers to adopt highest yielding varieties so that overall production and productivity is enhanced.
He also highlighted the features of high-density apple orchard programme and said that people can get the relevant assistance from the concerned department for adopting the practice.He also announced a water supply scheme for the Sopore fruit mundi that will come at an estimated cost of Rs 6.37 crore, adding that the scheme was a persistent demand of traders of the mundi.Moreover, Basharat Bukhari reiterated its commitment to delivering public services efficiently and said that various public welfare schemes have been launched so that overall standard of life is improved. Meanwhile, he also met various deputations and had a patient hearing to their grievances wherein he assured them that their grievances will be redressed on priority.Earlier the Minister distributed cheques worth Rs 1.63 crore at Rs 12000 each among 1362 beneficiaries of Wagoora Block under the centrally sponsored Swachh Bharat Scheme. Speaking on the occasion the Minister highlighted the significance of the programme and said that this scheme has been launched with the special aim of sanitation. He said that more and more villages should get covered under the scheme terming awareness dissemination as a necessary tool in this regard.