Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, today convened a detailed review meeting regarding functioning of the department of Horticulture at Rajbagh, Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Minister assessed progress achieved under different programmes and schemes being undertaken by the department besides discussing challenges in smooth implementation of departmental initiatives.

 The Minister emphasized upon the officials to prioritize public welfare initiatives and work in a mission mode to achieve set targets and goals. He acknowledged that the Horticulture sector has huge potential to address unemployment issues and can help in uplifting the rural life with better economic prospects.

“Horticulture sector has vast scope to bring transformative changes for providing ample employment opportunities to the rural people,” said the Minister. He urged for utilization of modern Horticulture methods and high density farming. He instructed for handholding of farmers both awareness and technical guidance regarding latest and modern cultivation methods to the farmers.

“Technological interventions and modern day scientific applications have to be extended to provide all possible assistance to boost the Horticulture industry and make this sector productive, vibrant and profitable,” maintained the Minister.

He directed the concerned to ensure benefits under different centrally sponsored and UT level schemes including Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), reach to farming community for better production and progressive farming in the region.

The Minister was also apprised regarding the staff strengthening and issues related to infrastructure facilities.

Later, the Minister also released a booklet on Production of Designer Plants for Promotion of High Density Plantation and Rejuvenation of Orchards under HADP and Spray Schedule 2025 for management of Apple Orchards for the farming community of Kashmir division.

Earlier, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, presented an overview and performance of the department.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Deputy Director, Assistant Director, Chief Horticulture Officers, Technical Officer and other concerned officials of the department.