Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari today held interactions with the Expert Committee constituted for drafting/formulating comprehensive State Horticulture Policy here today.The Committee comprising of VC, SKUAST Kashmir Prof Nazeer Ahmad, VC SKUAST Jammu Dr P.K Sharma, Secretary Horticulture Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Former VC Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan Dr RP Awasthi, Head Food Security and Agribusiness (Policies and Programs) UPL Group Vijay Sardana apprised the Minister on various inputs received by the Committee in its various interactions with the stakeholders across the State.Pertinent suggestions received include zonalization, Nursery Raising, Identification and multiplication of unexplored species/varieties, intercropping in orchards, introduction of new species/varieties, promoting mechanization, popularizing high density plantation, rejuvenation/revival of orchards who have completed their bearing capacity, creation of healthy irrigation infrastructure and conservation of moisture, micro irrigation, organic farming, utilization of walnut for Timber purpose, creating awareness and transfer of technology, structured weather based Crop Insurance scheme, proper packaging mechanisms, Integrated Pest Management,creation of infrastructure including testing laboratories, human resource development, marketing tie ups low cost storage chambers and post harvest management and food processing measures including setting up food processing parks, training of youth in food processing, among others.During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the suggestions extended to streamline the horticulture sector in the state.The Minister asked the Committee members to take a pragmatic view of the suggestions received and review the viability, feasibility of these inputs.He asked them to expedite the formulation of State Horticulture Policy and submit the final draft of the policy at the earliest for further scrutiny and early implementation in the state.Among others, Director Horticulture Jammu Anuradha Gupta, Director Research SKUAST-J J.P Sharma, Head Division of Food Science, SKUAST-J Dr V.K Wali, Joint Director Horticulture Tarvinder Singh, CHOs were present in the meeting.