Jammu, Jan 22: Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture,   Sham Lal Sharma  said that Government will tap the horticulture potential in the uncovered areas of Jammu division to improve the economic conditions of farming community.
 Addressing a mammoth public meeting at Planwala in Khour block after laying foundation stone of Rs. 7.50 lakh Horticulture office-cum-Mali Hut today, the Minister said that main stay of State's economy is horticulture and Government is making all out efforts to accelerate its activities to boost this important sector. He said that Jammu division, especially in the temperate and sub-tropical zones have vast potential, which would be taped in a big way.
 The Minister said that Government has earmarked Rs. 120 crore under Horticulture Technology Mission to boost the horticulture sector. He asked the farmers to adopt the modern horticulture techniques and avail attractive incentives available under the centrally sponsored schemes. He also stressed for adopting multi-crop system and switching over to cash crops like Aloe-vera, Amla and mangoes which require minimum irrigational facilities. He directed the officers of horticulture department to launch massive awareness camps in every nook and corner of the State to educate the 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 chasing the government jobs, which are not possible for all, said   Sharma.
 Laying stress on developing mother nurseries in a big way for the facilities of the farmers the Minister said the Department will ensure quality plants and equipments at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries, he said and added that all sick nurseries will be rejuvenated. He disclosed that Government Nursery at Planwala will be revived fully and Rs. 23 lakh will be spent on its chain link and fencing. The nursery spread over 75 kanals area will cater to the needs of farmers of Khour block and they will be able to get the plants of different varieties of fruits and herbal in the said nursery. This nursery was damaged due to border shelling during the Kargil conflict and remained unused for some years, the Minister maintained.
 To improve the irrigational facilities in the rain fed areas, the Minister said that Government has formulated a comprehensive proposal to develop check dams and restore the traditional water resources. He said that that lot of rain water gets wasted and Government is seriously thinking to conserve the water for irrigational as well as other uses. He apprised that one such proposal has been formulated for Loakhi Nala, which is waterlogged for most of the time. On completion, the water will be adequate to irrigate couple of villages located nearby, said   Sharma.
 Sharma also distributed incentive cheques amounting to Rs. 23 lakh among 80 beneficiaries of Khour block. The amount has been given to the progressive farmers who have been involved in different horticulture activities.
 Responding to public demand, the Minister said that Government will examine establishing of a health dispensary at village Daleri (Biju wala Chhappad) in Khour in near future. He directed the Director Health Services to submit a proposal in this regard.
 As regard opening of a degree college at Planwala, the Minister said that Government has already approved the college for Khour block, which caters more than 4 lakh population of Khour itself and adjoining areas of Akhnoor as well. The college will be located at a central location which would be convenient to all, he asserted.
 On reaching the Minister was given rousing reception by thousands of people of Khour block at Taroti Nala and Khour town and was taken to the venue amidst drum beating and traditional bhangra in the form of a rally consisting hundreds of vehicles and motorbikes.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST