To pave way for the sustainable development of the Horticulture sector in the Union Territory of J&K, a meeting was co-chaired by Sandeep Chadha, Managing Director National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat here.During the meeting, the programmes related to High Density Plantation, Development of Hi-Tech Nurseries, Setting up of Quality Control Labs, branding and marketing of products, Farmers Produce Organization was discussed in detail. Managing Director, NAFED apex organization of marketing cooperative for agricultural produce in the Country informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jammu & Kashmir Government for High Density Plantation of Apple, Walnut, Cherry and other Horticulture produce was signed.Director Horticulture informed that NAFED is going to invest Rs. 17000 Crore for High Density Plantation covering 5500 hectares in next 5 years. NAFED proposed to establish three clusters of Post-harvest infrastructure in North, South Kashmir and Kathua/Samba belt to begin with.
Further, NAFED will also set up 20 Farmer Producer Organization, one in each district, in next three months besides three clusters of Cold Storage in J&K at an estimated cost of Rs. 500 Crore.The proposed plan of NAFED related to implementation and broad contours of High Density Plantation Programme and other components was discussed on spot with Chief Horticulture Officers in brief.Director Horticulture informed that this announcement by the Government will provide an effective marketing platform to the growers of Union Territory of J&K and will facilitate employment generation for the local people.He said it will also ensure remunerative prices for the farmers produce resulting in overall income enhancement of farmers in J&K.The meeting among others was attended by all Chief Horticulture Officers, Farm Managers ACHD, President Fruit Growers Association Srinagar, Private Entrepreneurs of High Density Plantation Programme and President CA Store Owners Association, J&K.