Interventions on to develop horticulture on big ticket basis in Jammu div: Advisor Sharma

Jammu: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, K K Sharma today said that concerted efforts are underway for developing horticulture and related activities on big ticket basis in Jammu region by way of several ongoing government interventions.
The Advisor was reviewing the working of Horticulture Department in Jammu Division, here at a meeting.
Director Horticulture, Jammu, Ram Sevak , Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing; J&K Imam u Din besides others participated in the meeting.
At the outset, the Directors gave brief overview of the various activities being undertaken across the UT and also informed about the opportunities and challenges related to horticulture, its development as well as marketing of the produce.
The Advisor was informed that huge potential in Horticulture has remained untapped in Jammu Division -both in Kandi/Plain and Hilly areas.
The potential for High Density and Ultra High Density plantation for Apple, Kiwi, Peach, Grapes and Walnut was discussed in detail. These fruits have huge potential in hilly areas like Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri and hilly areas of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban and Kathua, he was told.
It was noted that while limited work has been undertaken in High Density cropping, no headway has been made in Ultra High Density Cropping in Jammu Division.
The Advisor asked Director Horticulture to consolidate and convey the reasons for such slow pace in this field.
Further, he asked the department to explore and find out the ways for high density plantation of these fruits in the Division. Finding ways to increase the quality and yield of fruits like Mango and Guava in Kandi and plain areas was also stressed upon. He also stressed on utilizing the services of Centre for Excellence for Horticulture to promote the fruit growing in all types of regions of Jammu division.
The Director Horticulture informed that biggest challenge for rain fed areas is to develop storage of water. He recommended for introducing incentives and subsidy scheme for creation of water storage tanks. The Advisor assured to look into the matter.
With respect to operation of Fruit and Vegetable Mandis, it was informed that there is a requirement for their regulation in line with Model Act made by GoI in this regard.
The Advisor stressed on developing the Mandis on Modern lines with provision for good Roads & Drainage as well as proper Transportation mechanism, both incoming and outgoing.
The Advisor also discussed the upgrading of the infrastructure of Fruit and Vegetable Market, Narwal. He said that synergized approach should be adopted for developing it on modern lines replete with all the necessary facilities as required.
He also discussed in detail various projects taken up under languishing Projects scheme & its components, works under Capex Budget, extension of e-NAM facility, requirement of good roads, land requirement & related issues and construction of Canteens etc.