Pampore, Jan 13: For fast implementation of Rs 376 cr ambitious project of National Saffron Mission (NSM), Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today inspected the proposed site for setting up Spice park which would come up at a cost of Rs. 20.60 crore over an area of 85 kanals of Kahchari land at Galandar Pampore on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway.
 During the inspection, the Minister was given a detailed presentation for setting up of  the Spice Park by the Director Agriculture Kashmir, an official statement said.
 The Minister directed Deputy Commissioner Pulwama,   Mohammad Afzal to notify the land for the project so that necessary steps would be taken in this regard. He also directed the Director Agriculture to move a proposal for its fencing, so that necessary funds would be released at the earliest.
 On the occasion, the saffron growers met the Minister and discussed various issues regarding speedy implementation NSM and he assured them that government is taking every step for the same but at the same time the department has to fulfil some necessary requirements for the overall benefit of growers.
 The growers appreciated the personal efforts of the Minister and added that “We would provide every sort of cooperation to the implementing agency”.
 The Minister asked both revenue and Agriculture department to work together to fulfil all requirements for setting of spice park so that the construction work be started by April this year positively. He further directed the Director Agriculture after fencing, the work on the land development be started at the earliest and also higher the Architect for the designing of the spice park as per the requirement of National Spice Board.
 Regarding the identification Dug well sites for irrigation purposes, The Minister gave on the spot directions to the concerned to consult the Groundwater and Geology departments for providing technical expertise for the proper identification of these sites so that work would be started. He was informed during this year 53  dug wells be provided to the saffron growers under the mission at a cost of Rs.18.34 crore besides 1548 sprinkle irrigation would also be provided. He was further informed that one Dug well would irrigate 600 kanals of saffron land.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST