J-K Govt to bring 1.68 hectare land under fruit cultivation

Jammu and Kashmir government today said that it was planning to bring over 1.68 lakh hectares of land under fruit and vegetable cultivation in the Jammu region.
State Minister for Horticulture, Abdul Rehman Veeri while reviewing the functioning of his department said, "the government would exploit the huge potential of horticulture in Jammu division by bringing 1.68 lakh hectares of land under fruit and vegetable cultivation in a phased manner".
"In an era of competitive market, quality control is a must and we have to focus on this vital area to maintain the credibility of State's horticulture produce," Veeri said.

He exhorted upon field functionaries to tap the huge horticulture potential available in the region and under the Area Expansion Programme to bring more and more cultivable land under the high yielding plantation.
He asked them to strengthen the departmental nurseries to produce quality plant material so that farmers get the certified plant material at their doorstep.
Veeri urged functionaries of the department to be proactive and synergize their efforts and carry out frequent farm visits and submit tour dairies to the administrative Department on monthly basis.
He also directed them to hold awareness camps at Panchayat level to disseminate information and share their experience and expertise with the farmers.

The minister said that the government will encourage farmers engaged in state's horticulture sector for growing high-quality fruit products to fetch attractive returns.