New Delhi (NVI):The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved to extend the timeline for implementation of Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) by three years and revision of PM’s Development Package for Horticulture in UTs of J&K and Ladakh
CCEA approved to extend the timeline for implementation of PMDP approved in 2016 beyond March 31, 2019 by 3 years that is up to March 31, 2022 with provision of further extension of time by a maximum period of 12 months, if required, with approval of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
It also has approved for revision or re-appropriation of earlier approved components of PMDP for development of Horticulture in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), within the approved outlay of Rs 500 crore between UTs of J&K and Ladakh with the provision of further revision, if required, with the approval of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare within the overall financial limit of Rs 500 crore.
Revalidation of unspent amount of Rs. 59.07 crore remaining with undivided State of Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh.
The action plan under PMDP has therefore been modified within the approved outlay of Rs. 500 crore earmarking Rs. 39.67 crore for UT of Ladakh and Rs. 460.33 crore for UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
The implementation of PMDP in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Region, is expected to generate an estimated 44 lakh mandays employment and will also result in employment in allied sectors such as grading and packing units, Cold Atmosphere (CA)/Cold storage units and transportation sector etc.
As the high density plantation involves technology and regular upkeep of orchards, therefore, it will also result in overall wage enhancement in the horticulture sector due to the increase in the farmers’ income as a result of the increase in productivity.
