Horticulture key to JK’s economic growth: Kohli

Jammu: Terming Horticulture as the backbone of state’s economy, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli Saturday said the government is paying focused attention to rejuvenate the Horticulture industry in the state.
He further said the Horticulture sector has a vast potential of changing the socio-economic condition of the people and providing employment opportunities to the youth of the state.
The Minister was speaking after distributing saplings of various varieties including Apple and Walnut among progressive farmers in a function organized by Horticulture Department at Ghaibass in Kalakote.
He urged the functionaries of the department to be proactive and synergize their efforts to ensure frequent farm visits and explore the possibilities to promote production of high quality fruits in Rajouri.
The Minister directed them for holding awareness camps at Panchayat level for disseminating information and sharing expertise with the orchardists.
Stressing that there is need to reach out to the farmers and take the technological innovations and research to the field, the Minister said it is vital that the farmers are kept well abreast with the advancements in the Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture sectors to enhance their produce.
A team of the officers and experts from Horticulture Department and district administration were present on the occasion.