EArly Times Report
JAMMU, July 15: Principal Secretary, Horticulture and Agriculture Production Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary, today chaired a meeting to review implementation of High Density Plantation scheme of Horticulture department in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Horticulture Department Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmed Bhat; Additional Secretary, Horticulture Department and Chief Horticulture Officers attended the meeting online while Director Horticulture Jammu, Ram Savak, was present in person.
Threadbare discussion on various issues related to implementation of high density plantation scheme in the identified areas of the UT.
Pertinently, the farmer-centric scheme will be implemented for apple, walnut, almond, cherry, litchi, and olive among others over an estimated area of 5500 hectares of suitable agro-climatic zones for 6 years with effect from March 2021 to March 2026. The scheme has provision to provide 50% subsidy to orchardists for establishment of high-density orchards accompanied by a loan facility for raising 40% of remaining capital. The scheme will also provide subsidies to the growers on account of expenditure related to micro-irrigation, plant material, and anti-hail nets. Under the scheme, preference will be given to farmers with landholdings of less than 4 kanal.
DG, Horticulture Kashmir briefed about importance of the scheme and its role in employment generation. He informed that an area of 262 hectare has been brought under high density plantation programme and the department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that farmers are fully benefitted by this scheme. Ram Sevak informed the meeting that the department is going to plant about 25 lakh of various varieties of plants like mangoes, citric fruits and other fruits in Jammu division. Principal Secretary stressed upon the concerned officers to cover all the feasible areas under high density programme.
It was informed that an area of 800 hectare has been targeted to be covered in Kashmir division during current financial year under the programme. Principal Secretary asked the CHOs for conducting awareness camps to educate the farming community regarding benefits of the scheme so that more and more farmers adopt the scheme. “This ambitious programme will go a long way in enhancing the quality and quantity of horticulture produce for doubling farmer’s income”, he maintained.
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