Jammu (NVI): Apple produce from Jammu and Kashmir contributes a huge 83.50 percent to the national produce while the contribution of Walnut and Almond is 92.69 percent and 93.63 percent, respectively.
This information was provided at a meeting chaired by Lt Governor G C Murmu here today to review the functioning of Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied sectors, an official spokesman said.
The meeting was informed that a total of 25 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores with storage capacity of 1,17,284 MTs have come up in private sector and 447 nurseries have been established, including 138 in public sector.
It was further informed that 17 fruit and vegetable markets, comprising 3 terminal, 2 satellite and 2 ‘apni mandis’, are functional in J&K.
The meeting was told that the agriculture sector has a total gross cultivated area of 12.28 lac hectares with 11.93 lac farm operating families.
The meeting was briefed about the crop wise area, production and productivity under agriculture.
The meeting also reviewed the progress made under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) for restoration of damaged area and development of Horticulture in J&K.
The Lt. Governor observed that horticulture and other allied sectors have immense potential to generate huge employment avenues and directed for mobilizing available resources in this regard.
He stressed on the need for taking reformative measures for the development and expansion of these sectors.
Stressing on promoting sustainable agriculture, the Lt. Governor asked the officers to put in extra efforts for making agriculture a sustainable and remunerative economic activity for farmers. He also laid emphasis on improving productivity and production of horticulture and agriculture crops to make the sectors more vibrant.
Murmu directed the officers to work out a plan to prepare 4 crore root stock for 10,000 Ha of land for developing high density apple orchards and set a timeline of 3 years for the same.
He underscored the importance of increasing productivity in the Horticulture sector, which has the potential to yield three times the income currently being generated.
To make the fruit mandis more vibrant, the Lt. Governor directed the officers to explore the possibility of converting the fruit mandis into entities under Sec.8 of the Companies Act.
He also directed the officers to establish new fruit-processing units which will increase the returns to growers and enhance employment.
Murmu asked the officers to come up with a proper plan for sprinkle and drip irrigation for the areas with no or limited irrigation sources. He also directed them to complete all the ongoing projects within the stipulated time.
