Srinagar, Dec 23 (KNS): Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (KAS) on Wednesday convened a review meeting at Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir and took stock of all developmental activities being undertaken in the field.
According to Kashmir News Service, the meeting was attended by Deputy Director Horticulture Kashmir, all Chief Horticulture Officers, Nursery Registration Officer and Horticulture Information & Publication Officer of Kashmir Division. At the occasion, Director Horticulture laid emphasis on propagation of quality planting material in public sector nurseries for establishment of orchards in farmer’s fields.
During the meeting all the officers were sensitized on the issues related to availability of quality inputs like fertilizers and pesticides and were directed to ensure frequent checking of the stocks available in the market, so that the quality products are made available in the market. The extension agencies working in the field were directed to publicize the role of the Department and schemes under implementation through Department of Horticulture using all modern tools of information like pamphlets, hoardings, posters in the field so that the farmers are benefited under the schemes in vogue.
The achievement/progress under all schemes was discussed in detail with the District Heads. The Director Horticulture called on all the District Heads to pull the expenditure and to speed up execution of works in respect of major schemes viz. CAPEX/PMDP/MIDH and ensure 100% utilization of funds within the stipulated period of time so that no lapses are observed in this regard.
All the Chief Horticulture Officers were directed to ensure the awareness among growers through different mediums related to benefits under the newly launched Schemes viz. “Operation Greens- TOP to TOTAL” and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) as a part of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”. Further Director Horticulture discussed the potential of the newly introduced schemes which includes creation of Agriculture Infrastructure Development Fund under new projects will be takenup for Back Ended Subsidies.
Chief Horticulture Officers were impressed upon to conduct training/awareness at Block/tehsil level so that farming community is provided technical know-how in the field of horticulture. Later on Director Horticulture directed all officers to remain punctual, dedicated & honest in performing their duties so that they are available for the farming community so as to facilitate at their door step.
Today we are celebrating Kissan Divas 2020 and on this day Director Horticulture addressed the participants Officers of Kashmir Division that we are the part and parcel in the activities undertaken by the farmers and despite lockdown situation due to COVID-19 we remained available to farmers for overall wellbeing of farming community. He highlighted the importance of the horticulture sector and its role for employment generation through trade in fertilizer, distribution, pesticides, machinery and other post-harvest management practices besides production of fruit crop. The field functionary was given instructions to conduct the market checking of pesticides and fertilizers in their jurisdiction so that the availability of quality pesticides/fertilizers is ensured for the farming community. (KNS)