JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to tap the horticulture potential of the state, particularly of the Jammu region, a minister said.
Minister for Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri, while addressing awareness camps of the farmers in Jammu today, said that mainstay of state's economy is horticulture and the government was making all-out efforts to accelerate its activities to boost this important sector.
He said the Jammu division in general and its temperate and sub-tropical zones in particular have vast potential for horticulture, which would be tapped in a big way.
The Minister asked the farmers to adopt modern horticulture techniques and avail attractive incentives available under the centrally sponsored schemes.
He also stressed on adopting multi-crop system and switching over to cash crops like aloe-vera, amla, mangoes, peach, lichi, guava and plum that require minimum irrigational facilities.
The minister directed the officers of horticulture department to launch extended awareness camps in different parts of the state to educate farmers about the horticulture schemes and incentives.
He asked the youth to involve themselves in the horticulture activities and adopt it as livelihood instead of hankering after the government jobs.
Veeri said the department will ensure availability of quality plants and equipment at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries and added that all sick nurseries will be rejuvenated.
He said keeping in view that horticulture is the mainstay of state's economy, the government has initiated long and short-term measures for the growth of horticulture in the state.
Veeri further said that all the vacant posts in the department are to be filled up on a fast-track basis and the functioning will be improved.