Srinagar, Jan 26: The HPMC Employees’ Union today said that despite tough challenges, the corporation has been playing a significant role in the development of horticulture industry and providing services to the farming community in the Valley.
 At a meeting here with F A Dar in chair, the employees impressed the need for government support to the corporation to strengthen it.
 The employees hailed Minister for Horticulture Shyam Lal and Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department Iqbal Khanday for their “support to initiate various measures aimed to revive the corporation.
 The employees also appreciated Managing Director of the corporation for “identifying diversified activities to generate maximum revenue for the corporation.”
 Dar urged the Horticulture Minister and commissioner secretary Agriculture Department to issue one time financial package to the corporation to enable it to take diversified activities in large scale.
 Dar said there was dire need that the corporation be provided with finances so as to enable it to earn sizeable revenue.
 He said demanded immediate approval for up-gradation proposal of existing juice plant and other pending project proposals under technology mission and revival of its gutted infrastructural facilities, besides continuation of distribution/procurement of Agriculture Machinery items.
 He said the role of HPMC in Horticulture sector need to be strengthened.
 Dar also impressed the need for bringing in Trading Act on the pattern of Himachal HPMC so as to have sustainable revenue for the corporation to meet its committed establishment costs.
 Dar appealed to the Horticulture Minister to ensure that the Managing Director post is not disturbed by frequent transfers.
 He said the corporation has seen 7 MDs during last 3 years and the lack of consistency in its top leadership has badly affected the working of corporation.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST