Srinagar, Jul 07 (KNS): Welcoming the statement made by Minister for Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on the establishment of University of Horticulture Sciences in the State, MLA Rafiabad, Yawar Dilawar Mir has demanded that the University Campus be set-up at Wadura—a place which has been instrumental in revolutionizing horticulture sector in the State.
In a statement issued here, Yawar has also hailed the efforts put in by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti under whose dynamic leadership such innovative plans are being chalked out to witness a speedy growth in the Horticulture Sector in the State.
He said the proposal for setting up of a critical research and expertise centre in the shape of a full-fledged Horticulture University would cater to the needs of farmers and fruit growers as dreamt by the Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
“By establishing the highest learning centre Chief Minister Mehbooba Ji would be fulfilling one of the commitments and dreams of Late Mufti Saheb,” he said.
The Proposed Horticulture University, Yawar said would also supplement and help in achieving the desired results of Rs 500 crore PM’s Development Package for restoration of damaged horticulture areas and development of horticulture in the state, which will directly benefit thousands of apple growers and apple orchardists in the State.
The MLA Rafiabad observed that Wadura is a historical place of learning and fulfils the eligibility criteria in terms of land and other prerequisites necessary for establishing a Horticulture University under University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Wadura has enough of land available and provides an ideal location where this University can be established in Kashmir,” Yawar remarked, urging the Minister for Education to pursue the setting up of University of Horticulture Sciences with the Government of India for necessary approval and funding.
The MLA Rafiabad also lauded the Chief Minister for showing her keen interest in development of the Horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged her to take up the issue of establishment of a full-fledged and dedicated University for Horticulture Research in the State at the highest level in the central government.
Yawar said that a dedicated university for Horticulture research will cater the needs to support the gap between teaching, research and extension activities in the state.
He said that the proposed University will establish the convergence and synergy to disseminate latest technology and horticulture education to our young generation, besides identifying strategies for further development.
“Farmers in Kashmir have started taking up horticulture crops as a separate viable economic activity. J&K needs to come up at a desired level in Horticulture sector to give a boost to the growth local economy and also creation of market and post harvest infrastructure at the doorstep of farmers and fruit growers,” he remarked. (KNS)