Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today visited the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Horticulture at Zawoora to review its functioning and assess the technological interventions being adopted to enhance the horticultural crop productivity in the Kashmir Valley.
The Minister took stock of the facilities available at the centre and enquired about the modern technologies and innovative practices being implemented to improve the crop yield and quality. He emphasized the importance of adopting advanced horticultural techniques and strengthening research-based practices to support the farmers and boost the horticulture sector.
Highlighting the significance of traditional horticultural crops of the Valley, Javid Ahmad Dar stressed that special attention must be given to preserving and promoting indigenous varieties of walnuts and almonds. He noted that these crops possess strong potential in the face of changing climatic conditions and can play a vital role in strengthening the region’s horticultural economy.
The Minister also directed the department to ensure wider dissemination of high-quality planting material and modern horticultural practices among the farmers so that they can benefit from improved productivity and better market opportunities.
Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, briefed the Minister about the initiatives undertaken by the department to promote fruit cultivation and strengthen horticulture infrastructure in the region. He informed that the Centre of Excellence at Zawoora is providing high-quality varieties of walnuts, almonds and other fruit plants to the growers, aimed at enhancing the productivity and maintaining superior quality standards.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of the department and reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting the farmers and expanding the horticulture sector through innovation, research and improved planting material.
MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed and MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Guroo accompanied the Minister during the visit.
