Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Bukhari Thursday said that the Government has taken several steps to boost horticulture practices on modern lines as it forms a key component of the state’s economy.The Minister was speaking at the launch function of the weekly newspaper ‘Ziraat Times’. The function was also attended Chief Information Commissioner Khursheed Ganai, ex-Chief Information Commissioner G R Sufi, Director Horticulture, Editor Ziraat Times Arjumand Hussain Talib, senior journalists, progressive farmers and other concerned.Bukhari said that the launch of the agriculture-related exclusive newspaper would go a long way in making people, especially farmers and students aware of new techniques and latest innovations in the field.Other speakers also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy to give a fillip to agriculture and horticulture production in the state.