Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has stressed on more technology transfers in horticulture sector to boost the produce and increase the shelf life of fruit.Chairing an appraisal meeting regarding various technology interventions in vogue in horticulture sector around the world, the Chief Minister said with the adoption of new technologies and discoveries, the scale and scope of horticulture industry in the State could be increased by a great measure. “From planting of saplings to fruit harvesting, these new technologies once used with precision would not only increase the yield and capacity of the plants, but also increase the shelf life of the fruit thereby increasing the marketability of the fruit”, she told the meeting.Mehbooba Mufti specifically quoted the example of High Density Apple trees which she said have the potential to revolutionize apple production in the State.She said the State Government with the sole objective of improving the per unit yield of apple launched the scheme early this year and hoped with its efficient adoption the scheme would give optimum results.
The Chief Minister underscored the need for adopting latest post harvest technologies in horticulture, particularly apple, so that the time from harvest to market is increased thereby fetching the fruit good returns in market.Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Bukhari informed the Chief Minister about various steps the Department has been taking to incorporate the emerging technologies and interventions in the field to increase the fruit production and extend the shelf life of fruit after it is harvested in the field.On the occasion, the meeting was briefed about various technologies in vogue in USA, Canada and other European countries as a result of which the fruit quantity and its shelf life have been enhanced considerably.Secretary, Horticulture, M. H. Malik and some members of scientist community were present on the occasion.