Jammu, Feb 15: Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla, today said that the Government was committed to provide every type of support to the fruit growers   to promote this lucrative activity across the state.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering of farmers, fruit growers besides sarpanchs and panchs after inaugurating one-day Mega Awareness-cum-Exposure Camp held at Maralian Dak Bangloow, here today.
Bhalla said that state’s economy is primarily rural while   horticulture and floriculture are major areas providing livelihood to the farmers and highlighted the significance of these sectors in the overall development of the state.
He also exhorted upon the farmer community to come forward and take the benefits of centrally sponsored schemes available for farmers under Horticulture Mission launched in North East and Himalayan States (HMNH) for boosting horticulture production.
He said that under the scheme Government was giving adequate subsidy on purchase of new equipments and establishing new orchards in the state.
The Minister said that attention was required to be focused on the horticulture, floriculture and agriculture productions and its proper export to the terminal and satellite markets and ensure substantial returns to the farmers. He said that the production and productivity of horticulture have shown remarkable increase during last four years.
Appreciating the efforts of Horticulture Department for making new strides in strengthening the sector and  ensuring welfare of the  growers and other connected stakeholders, the Minister emphasized the need to increase the per unit productivity and ensure better returns to the growers for their  produce. He said that the processing and value addition to fruits and medicinal plants will not only improve income opportunities but also generate viable means of direct and indirect employment to both on farm and off farm activities.
Bhalla asked the officers to gear up men and machinery for the effective implementation of Horticulture Mission in the State, adding that there was a significant improvement in productivity which has ultimately resulted in improving the financial condition of the farming community. He said Government was making all out efforts to encourage farmers to grow high-quality fruit trees to fetch attractive returns, adding that this sector is the mainstay of the State’s economy and all efforts will be made to promote this vital sector across the country. He said Government was making all out efforts to upgrade fruit plant nurseries with adequate manpower. He said under Horticulture sector, more than 70% population of the State are directly or indirectly involved and earn livelihood with sufficient business.
Later, the Minister also distributed seventy-nine incentives cheques worth Rs. 6.50 lakh among the progressive orchardists of Akhnoor, Khour, Bhalwal, Marh, Satwari block, R S Pura, Bishnah and Dansal besides horticulture tool kits.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST