Srinagar/June,7: Lauding efforts of Horticulture department for completing census of fruit bearing plants across the state, the Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari Wednesday stressed on better synergy between growers and horticulture department for better farming practices and for conducting awareness camps.
The Minister interacted with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Horticulture Officers of all districts via video conferencing to check out the census status of fruit bearing plants across the state.
The fruit bearing plants which have been included in the census are Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Mango, Plum, Walnut and various other citrus fruits.
Secretary Horticulture, Mohammad Hussian Malik, Director Horticulture Kashmir Rafiq Ahmad, Director Planning and Marketing Horticulture Hafizullah Shah and various officials of concerned Departments were also present in the meeting.
Seeking details regarding Hanuthang Apricot Village in Ladakh and status of special team sent to Leh and Kargil to tackle worms infected Apricot crop in the region, the Minister was informed that the team is working on ground with positive outcomes.
Bukhari stressed for expediting modalities for the promotion and development of crop in Rajouri and Poonch Pecan nut Villages.
The Minister was also informed that surprise market checks were conducted across state to check the mis-branded pesticides and some samples have been sent to different labs. across the country.
“Few miss branded sample have been found in Baramulla and Pulwama,” officials informed the Minister.
The Minister stressed on collection of final result of sample within ten days to take appropriate action.
Minister also directed for publishing name of owner and outlet where misbranded pesticides are found for public awareness.
The Minister also directed for conducting Tardbandi of Mandis within 15days for conducting APMC election in a time bound manner.
He stressed for conducting mass awareness camps for growers at zonal as well as district level in collaboration with J&K Bank, SKUAST and Tourism Department.
