Advisor to Governor, K Skandan today chaired a meeting convened to review the functioning of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments of Kashmir with regards to various state and centrally sponsored schemes.The meeting discussed various initiatives regarding improved functioning of Agriculture and Horticulture departments. It also discussed various issues faced by these departments with regards to the implementation of various schemes.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Director Horticulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, Joint Director Agriculture, Chief Horticulture Officers and Chief Agriculture Officers of various districts of Kashmir Division, Divisional officers of Agriculture and other concerned officials were present in the meeting.Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Skandan stressed on the need for taking reformative measures to develop these sectors and also urged for exploring more possibilities of their expansion in the state. He emphasized on bridging the gap between farmers and officers of the department and exhorted upon them to impart technical skills for improving their production.The Advisor asked for holding regular awareness camps and training programmes to acquaint the farmers in far off areas with modern techniques for emerging trends in organic farming, processing, marketing, and production aspects of different crops on scientific lines.
Advisor Skandan put emphasis on improving quality and production of horticulture crops to make the sector more vibrant, besides increasing the income of farmers. He said that the departments should come up with the proper plan about how to solve the problems faced by farmers at various stages of production which includes from buying a seed to marketing the harvest.The Advisor stressed on creating proper coordination within the departments and SKUAST so that the benefits can be taken out of the researches made by the university. He also impressed on carrying out the proper documentation work of the departmental works and achievements.Stressing on the empowerment of the farmers, Advisor Skandan asked for forming farmer unions at various levels and get them registered. He said by this all the farmers can avail benefits from various schemes.During the meeting, the Advisor reviewed the implementation of various centrally and state sponsored schemes and the projects taken up under PMDP. He was also informed about various achievements of the departments. He urged the officers to implement the schemes in letter and spirit for the benefit of the farmers of the state.Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan asked the officials to make the Fruit Mandis more functional and stressed on the quality control and proper transportation of the goods. He also asked the Horticulture department to setup a dry-fruit mandi. He said that various dry-fruit growers have approached his office for the same. He said the initiative can be of great significance for them.