SRINAGAR, JUNE 21 (KNS): Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo today chaired a high level meeting of the committee constituted to devise an Action Plan for the promotion of commercial floriculture across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks department, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad; Secretary in APD, Mohammad Akbar Wani; Secretary in Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare department, Shabnam Kamili, Director Horticulture Kashmir/Jammu, Director Agriculture Kashmir/Jammu, Director Floriculture Kashmir/Jammu, HOD Floriculture SKUAST-K, Extension Officer SKUAST-J, senior officers of floriculture and other allied departments.

Speaking during the meeting, Atal Dulloo impressed upon the officers that a proper action plan should be formulated for commercialisation of Floriculture across J&K as this sector possesses tremendous potential for generating self employment avenues. He added that the plan should be formulated keeping in view the climate, geography and other aspects of that area where these activities are being held.

The ACS further delved upon the officers that the action plan should also be devised as per the seasons, viability and demand of the general public of floral products. He added that promotion of extension activities as well as promotion of specific aspects like nurseries and floral seeds should also be provisioned into the action plan.

While speaking on other aspects of Floriculture sector, Dulloo impressed upon the officers that a detailed schedule for awareness of stakeholders associated with floriculture trade should be devised so that they can be made well versed with the latest innovations in floriculture sector. He asked the officers that calendar of activities should be formulated from Panchayat levels should that different extension activities are carried out from ground level and maximum people are attracted towards this.

The ACS also exhorted upon the officers that the feasibility of incorporating floriculture produce in PARVAAZ scheme should be looked into so that the different floral products can be exported outside in shortest possible time and the growers get maximum revenue out of their produce.

On the occasion, Director Floriculture Kashmir gave a detailed presentation on the progress, achievements and other activities of the Floriculture department across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)