Tarigami urges J-K govt to rejuvenate horticulture sector

Expressing concern over the "grim scenario" of horticulture in the Valley, the CPI(M) unit of Jammu and Kashmir today called for effective measures to rejuvenate the sector, which is the backbone of the state's economy.
"The grim scenario of horticulture in Kashmir is a cause for our concern. It is the fruit industry which sustained Kashmir even during the most trying circumstances," party's state secretary M Y Tarigami said in a statement here.
Tarigami alleged that the department of Horticulture and the associated institutions are not paying adequate attention to the problems faced by this vital sector.
"For a number of years, the total production has been decreasing to an alarming level, diseases have gone out of control, prices of fertilisers and needed chemicals have become unaffordable and their quality has dwindled," Tarigami said.

The CPI(M) leader urged the government to activate the department, concerned research centres and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology so that the causes of decrease in production and rampant spread of diseases could be traced and dealt with effectively.
Tarigami, who visited the apple production areas of south Kashmir, said the problem of untimely yellowing and falling of leaves is fast spreading in the orchards.
"Before this disease devastates vast areas, the Horticulture department needs to activate its field employees, generate awareness among the orchardists and suggest quick remedies," he said.
The CPI(M) leader maintained his demand for providing insurance cover to the cultivators and their crops and fruits to insulate them from contingency losses and also stressed for quality control of the fertilisers and chemicals.