Chandigarh, Dec 6: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to roll out its new Agriculture Policy to revive its world famous farm products and aggressively market them in domestic and international markets.
 "We are going to announce our new Agriculture Policy in the winter session of the State assembly," said Agriculture Minister
 Ghulam Hassan Mir on the sidelines of CII- organised Agrotech fair here today.
 Calling for greater commitment among various aiding agencies to achieve the target of sustainable agriculture development in the country, Mir said the State government has given special focus to agriculture and horticulture, besides handicrafts and tourism are the mainstay of Kashmir economy.
 The minister was speaking at a valedictory function of the 9th Agro Tech 2010, organized by the confederation of Indian Industry here today. He said that a   paradigm shift in policy is important in which the modern agri techniques need to be blended with conventional farming practices to harness agri resources in the desirable directions.
 Mir said that change of mindset is needed amongst farming community, to review the existing un-productive practices and build a new paradigm to give much needed impetus to this vital sector of economy.
 He, according to an official statement said, "This could be the acid test to prove success or failure of sustainable development in the years ahead", adding that new policies are needed simultaneously to promote environmental health, economic profitability and social economic equity.
 The minister called for restructuring the programs of commodity and price support to allow farmers to realize the full benefits of the productivity gains made possible through alternative prices. He also laid thrust on modifying the Tax and credit policies to encourage diverse and decentralized system of family farms rather than corporate concentration.
 In J&K, Mir said, present government put more thrust  for reviving this vital sector by way of providing awareness among the farmers  about latest agri techniques  used across the globe besides waving off toll tax on fertilizers, pesticide’s to  benefit them. He said the state has a huge potential in cultivation of saffron, apple, walnut, floriculture, medicinal plants, Basmati rice and olive for uplifting the economy of the State.
 He said “we are moving towards the target in these areas for attaining the self sufficiency”.
 On the National Saffron Mission launched with the Centre's assistance, Mir said the Rs 376-crore project was aimed at restoring the pristine glory of 'Kashmir Saffron' and make it a reputed brand in the international market competing with Iran and Spain.
 Mir acknowledged that the profitability of the saffron growers had been hit badly, as they faced challenges from those who were passing "adulterated saffron as genuine Kashmiri saffron".
"However, now we have assured them that the Government will take care of things and take steps to create awareness among the people," Mir said.
Down playing apprehensions on competition to Kashmir apple, Mir said: "Kashmir is top ranking apple producing state in India. There is no parallel to the Kashmiri apple, which is unique in its taste and quality. We are aggressively trying to market it in domestic and international markets." He said now Bharti, Reliance and Adani groups had also come forward to market them.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Dec 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Dec 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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