Srinagar: “Sky is the limit for Horticulture production in Kashmir” maintained Principal Secretary, Navin Kumar Choudhary, during awareness cum interactive session on Agro and related sector schemes organized by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology-Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar.
The interactive program was attended by Director Agriculture, Director Horticulture, Director Animal husbandry, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Industrial Associations, Entrepreneurs, Farmers, and students.
During the session, Principal Secretary said Horticulture is the major contributor to GDP in Kashmir, the exploitation of this sector is imperative to increase the quality production besides value addition to products. He said the sky was the limit to production keeping in view the geography and climate of the region.
He emphasized participants to invest in infrastructural development in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and fisheries by Formalization of Micro Processing Entrepreneur units. He asked them to establish dairy units, milk processing facilities, augment chilling capacities, the establishment of cattle feed manufacturing plants, silage making units, hydroponics, etc.
Stating that Agro business is the future of Kashmir, he asked entrepreneurs to take serious measures to make it competitive and advantageous in national and international markets.
To double the income of farmers, he stressed farm mechanization, reduction of the labor force, and value addition to products.
Principal Secretary stressed on branding, packaging, and marketing of Kashmir based products to make them compatible in the local and outside market.
He impressed on Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K to create quality scientific research that could help entrepreneurs to establish successful and profiteering units.
During the program, Navin Choudhury also answered various queries from aspiring entrepreneurs, members from Kashmir Industries & Commerce Chamber, and students.
Later, Principal Secretary held a first virtual Saffron buyer-Seller meeting, during which he told participants that Kashmir Saffron has immense potential due to its unique aromatic and color quality. He said spice parks are coming up to process Saffron under one roof which would remove adulteration and upgrade the packaging process. He emphasized the projection of qualities on package tags.
