DG Horticulture Encourages Growers to Avail Benefits of Government Schemes

Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director General (DG) Horticulture Kashmir, interacted with eminent farmers from the districts of Shopian and Pulwama today and urged them to take benefits of several departmental schemes. 

According to a statement, the DG Horticulture reviewed both districts and directed field administrators to publicise various departmental schemes, with a specific emphasis on the recently launched Modified High-Density Scheme and Nursery Development Scheme. 

On the directions of Navin Kumar Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Horticulture, J&K, the DG today paid a visit to Ganapora, Balpora area of District Shopian to inspect the damage caused to fruit boxes by the fire event that happened in Abdul Razaq Falay's packing shed. 

It was reported that at the time of the event, roughly 3500 Apple boxes were stacked in the shed, with 70% of them apparently destroyed. 

On the occasion, the DG expressed his condolences to the disgruntled orchardist and gave over a cheque for Rs.2 lakh Packing Shed, assuring him of all possible assistance. 

Also, The Director Horticulture met with members of the Prerna Cluster Level Federation of JKRLM, an amalgamation of numerous Reasi district Self Help Groups.

He invited SHGs to join the Horticulture Department and assured them that the department would assist them in the formalisation of Micro Food Processing Units under the PMFME scheme, a landmark initiative of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan for the value addition of fruit products that will not only generate employment opportunities but also improve their income. 

While speaking to a large group of farmers, including women, Ram Savak encouraged them to diversify their crops in order to make money throughout the year.  

He informed them about the incentives available under the department's various centrally and state-sponsored schemes and urged them to come forward and take advantage of the benefits on various components such as bore wells, geo-tanks, drip irrigation, custom hiring centres, strawberry and aloe vera plantation, and so on to improve their socio-economic status. 

He also emphasized the need of planting High Density Plants and exotic fruit crops such as Dragon Fruit in their fields in order to generate more money from the same space, therefore doubling the farm's output.