DC Bandipora reviews progress of Agriculture, Horticulture sector
BANDIPORA : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Agriculture, Horticulture and sericulture department.
During the meeting district officers of the respective departments briefed the chair about the performance of their respective departments and the future plans.
Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora, Mujtaba Yahya informed that 23 tractors were distributed among farmers during the current financial year under different schemes besides 5 tillers, 8 motorized vending carts, 29 mushroom units, 20 vermi-compost units , 4 power weeders and other agriculture tools.
Officers said the district produces 360 quintals honey from 5600 bee colonies generating an amount of Rs 1.65 Cr.
In sericulture sector the officers informed that the district records 33 thousand kilograms of cocoons and the department provided production based incentives to 30 cocoon growers. He said the department distributed 44.6 thousand mulberry saplings.
Chief Horticulture Officer informed that the department implemented various state and centrally sponsored schemes in the district with major thrust on research and development, production of planting material, area expansion, rejuvenation of old and senile orchards, protected cultivation, promotion of IPM/INM, organic farming, horticulture mechanisation, training, post harvest management and marketing infrastructure.
Officers informed that Bandipora district has 6132 hectares under Fresh Fruit production and 639 hectares under dry fruit, producing 53.48 thousand Metric tons of fresh fruits and 13.04 Metric Tons dry fruits.
It was given out that the district produced 32.16 metric tons of High Density Fruit from 4.70 hectares of Ultra High Density Plantation.
A detailed discussion was was held regarding targets and achievements in this regard.
The DC hailed the role of agriculture and allied sectors in creating self-reliant and sustainable employment in the district. He said Agriculture and horticulture are the backbone of rural economy and development of these sectors is essential for rural prosperity.
He emphasized on working in mission mode to meet targets and work religiously to improve production in the district.
Among others the meeting was attended by Joint Director Planning Imtiyaz Ahmad, SDAO’s of district Bandipora along with technical officer Dr Irfan Ahmad Shah, Scheme incharge district Bandipora, Jaweed Ahmad Malla.