Budgam, 13 April (KNS) : Director Horticulture Kashmir Mr Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, KAS today made an extensive tour of District Budgam to review the field activities of Horticulture Department so as to have a firsthand feedback .

As per the statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), at Gopalpora Director Horticulture inspected the fruit plant nursery of the Department where around 50000 clonal apple root stock  have been planted this year for establishment of mother bank and further multiplication of root stock to overcome the limited availability of elite plant material .The nursery have been maintained nicely on scientific lines.

Director Horticulture appreciated the efforts /work of Horticulture Development officer and recognizing his dedication, he was awarded with cash prize.

On the occasion field staff of Budgam and member of Non Gazetted Horticulture Employees union were also present. The employees were appreciated by way of providing appreciation letters on the occasion.

Director Horticulture later in the day inaugurated two custom hiring centers in village Doonowara and Krimshore established under the scheme “SMAM”.

Director Horticulture lauded the keenness of SHG members in establishment of these centers which primarily provide the service to orchardists by way of providing machineries on rent.

The CHC provides livelihood to unemployed youth. DirectorHorticulture was appraised that a total of six centers have been established in the District.

Director instructed the authorities to explore the possibilities of establishing maximum number of such centers during current year.All the staff was enjoined upon to work in a missionary mode to expectations of the orchardists.(KNS)