There would be visible change in key economic sectors in 2 years: Mehbooba Mufti

Mufti said government is taking major initiatives to turnaround the horticulture sector

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said there would be visible change in the state's key economic sectors like horticulture and agriculture during the next two years as the government has made some progressive interventions in both the sectors.

"The government is taking major initiatives to turnaround the horticulture sector with inclusive focus on production, harvesting and marketing of the horticulture produce," the Chief Minister said while interacting with various deputations of fruit growers who called on her today.

Mehbooba said besides introducing high density plants and root stocks imported from Europe to increase productivity, pesticide testing and soil-testing laboratories are being established in various parts of the state to ensure better quantity and quality of fruit.

The Chief Minister said for better marketing facilities, new fruit and vegetable markets are being established at Jablipora in Anantnag, Aglar in Shopian and Prayote in Doda.

She said Kissan Ghar and multi-commodity cold store at Kolkata have also been sanctioned under NABARD.

Mehbooba said out of the 21 satellite fruit and vegetable markets proposed to be developed in the state against the project cost of Rs 118.82 crore, seven markets are already functional in Kashmir and one in Jammu, while the rest are likely to be completed and made functional within next two years.

"Besides, eight apni mandies are also under the process of development in the state," she said.

She said the government is also increasing the capacity of Controlled Atmospheric Stores (CAS) to address shortfall as part of the post harvesting management programme.

Meanwhile, scores of other deputations and individuals called on the Chief Minister at her private office here to bring their grievances, demands and developmental issues into the notice of the government for early redressel, an official spokesman said.

He said the deputations that called on the Chief Minister during the public hearing included delegations of Traders Associations, Fruit Growers Association, Kashmir Pandit Sangharash Samiti, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee, Artisans Federation Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association, Houseboat Owners Association and press associations.

Besides, civil society members and hundreds of individuals from across the state also called on the Chief Minister to seek speedy redressal of their grievances and demands including developmental issues, the spokesman said.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputations and individuals and told them that their genuine demands would be given due consideration by the government.

She said the government was alive to the public demands and necessary measures were already afoot to upgrade basic amenities and ensure prompt public service delivery.

Mehbooba said wherever necessary, additional focus would be concentrated to address the people's demands, the spokesman said.