Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Bukhari today directed the officers to ensure that the funds earmarked for the horticulture and the schemes meant for the this vital sector are properly utilized and implemented so that the benefit of these percolates to the targeted areas resulting in the increase of horticulture produce besides economic emancipation of the people related with it.The minister was addressing officers during a review meeting convened to discuss utilization of funds during the current financial year.Vice Chairman, State Horticulture Board, Abdul Salam Reshi, Secretary Horticulture Department, Manzoor Ahmad Lone, and other Senior Officers of the Department were also presentThe meeting was also attended by the Director Horticulture Kashmir, through video conference who is the Mission Director for MIDH as well.Minister stressed that the funds released so far by the Planning Department or by the Govt. of India under different schemes should be utilized judiciously and strict instructions already stand issued that there shall be no lapse of funds. All genuine payments pending if any must be cleared immediately as per norms, he added.Basharat Bukhari also had an interaction with traders related to Horticulture Sector through video conferencing. They put forth their views and the problems faced by them.Minister while directing Director Horticulture Kashmir to examine the issues of horticulturists immediately so that they may not feel any inconvenience. He said that we have to ensure that they do not face any hardships as the sector is one of the mainstays of the state’s economy.