Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar, Wednesday emphasized on adopting a holistic approach for sustainable development of the horticulture sector in the state.The Advisor was chairing an interactive meeting with the officers of the Horticulture Department and its allied sectors at Fruit Mandi Complex Narwal here today.Seeking details regarding the overall functioning of the Department, Managing Director Jammu & Kashmir Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC) Shafat Sultan presented a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and apprised the Advisor about the functioning of the department.The Advisor was apprised that the horticulture industry has the capacity to change the fortunes of not only the farming community but the entire State with its cascading benefits. He was informed that currently, horticulture sector of the state produces 600 metric tons of fruit but it has the capacity to produce 40,000 metric tons.He was apprised that about statues of fruit mandies, core assets, staff strength, financial issues, various undergoing and proposed projects/programmes of the department.Seeking details regarding the ongoing projects of the Department, the Advisor was apprised that various projects are in progress including integrated Apple Pack House at Shopian and up-gradation of various vital units of Apple Juice Plant at Sopore.The Advisor was also informed that the Department is taking measures for improving quality and production of Horticulture crops by the integrated implementation of viable, eco-friendly, validated and refined technologies.
The Advisor was briefed that the JKHPMC has submitted proposal for rehabilitation and modernization of the Corporation and various imitative are underway to make it more vibrant.The Advisor stressed for improving communication and coordination among different wings of the Horticulture Department, besides sanitizing the officers to achieve tangible targets to uplift and boost the horticulture sector.He stressed for creating awareness among the farmers about best farming techniques and for making farmers helpline numbers more vibrant so that timely and hassle-free assistance is made possible to improve the farming practices.Kumar directed for creating an online group for better communication among officers of the department, besides making departmental websites more vibrant and user-friendly.He also sought suggestion from the officers for making the department more vibrant and result oriented in its functioning. The officers apprised the Advisor about the functioning of the department and various issues faced by them.The Advisor assured them that all of their genuine demands and issues will be redressed and asked the officers for contributing skills and experiences for the betterment of the Department.The meeting was attended by officers of the Horticulture Department, Jammu & Kashmir Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC) and Jammu & Kashmir Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department.