Srinagar, Sept 18 (KNS): As a part of the Centre’s Special Public Outreach Programme, MoS, Science and Technology, MoS Ministry of Earth Science, MoS in the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, Saturday visited Centre of Excellence for Temperate Fruits, Zawoora Srinagar and took stock of the various infrastructure/facilities being established. 

In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a spokesperson said that Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, KAS Director General who is also Mission Director, MIDH along with other officers of the Department were also present on the occasion. 

Director General informed that the CoE is being established at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.24 Crore and shall have facilities for production of high quality fruit plants and serve as demonstration centre for micro irrigation, high-tech greenhouse technology, Tissue culture labs, bio-control labs and shall also have weather disease forecasting station.

During the visit, Minister expressed satisfaction over the development made in the felid of Horticulture to fulfil Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2022. 

On the occasion, Minister outlined various initiatives taken by the Central Government to facilitate the farming community and extending handholding to the farmers through different government schemes with a prime objective of increasing their income so that they can lead a prosperous life.

Despite the challenges of Covid pandemic, our farmers have done a wonderful job and many youths who were hesitant to foray into the sector are now doing different types of organic farming and have set an example for others by their hard work. Even in these difficult times, there was no shortage of vegetables, fruits, and milk and the gap between cities and villages has also reduced, the Minister observed.

He advised the farmers to pay attention to online marketing trends to strengthen distribution chain. He observed that the department has set a target of providing Pre and Post-Harvest facilities to the farmers and efforts are afoot to achieve the same.

During interaction with farmers and other stakeholders who projected various demands, Hon’ble Minister gave a patient hearing and assured to take a sympathetic view of the issues raised by them. (KNS)