Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today chaired the 67th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Produce and Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC) at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary Transport Department, Avny Lavasa; MD NHB, GoI, Priya Rajan; MD JKHPMC, Mohd. Farooq Dar; Director Horticulture (P&M)J&K, Gulam Jeelani Zargar; Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand; Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed; Professor & Head Division of Agriculture Economic, Agri-business ,SKUAST-J, Director Finance, Agriculture Production Department, Head of Food Technology, SKUAST-K, and other concerned officers either in person and through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the BoDs held detailed deliberations on various development projects of the Corporation both under execution as well as the ones being implemented during the current financial year under CAPEX Budget. The Board also reviewed the Corporation’s financial and operational performance during the previous year and took stock of progress made on the ongoing projects and initiatives.
The Board, during the meeting, also discussed the projects completed like common incubation centre for processing of Apple, Fruits and vegetables at Doabgah Sopore, common incubation centre for processing of fish and marine products at Achabal, common incubation centre for processing of Bakery and Dairy products at Narwal and similar under apple cluster development programme Shiopan (CSS-NHB), 55 Horticultural Cluster identified of which 12 have been selected for pilot lunch of the programme and 29 projects under HADP.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Javid Dar impressed upon the management of the Corporation to optimise its operations and use of assets besides exploring new areas to maximize its potential. He emphasized on enhancing the corporation’s assets with technical expertise to meet current market demands and uplift cooperation.
He also delved on them to bring technological diversification in the Corporation so that it can compete with present industries of food sector. The Minister further emphasized on the importance of fostering innovation, enhancing market outreach, and ensuring the welfare of the agricultural community in the region by promoting hi-tech horticulture activities.
“Foster cooperation among stakeholders to promote horticulture development in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said. The Minister underlined that consultants from European countries had previously visited to study this sector, underscoring its historical significance and potential for growth.
European consultants have shown interest in the region’s horticulture sector, indicating its global relevance, he added. He emphasized the need to tap into this potential to drive growth and development in the sector.
Earlier, MD, JKHPMC gave a detailed presentation on the progress of various ongoing projects of the corporation as well as other related aspects of the JKHPMC.