Srinagar, July 4: Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir has said that government is giving special thrust to introduce hybrid varieties of different seeds and diversifying crop plantation to make J&K “self sufficient” in food grains and vegetables.
 While reviewing the receipt and expenditure of Agriculture Department for 2010-2011, at a meeting of officers held here today, Mir, according to an official statement, said that it is endeavour of the government to surpass the average seed replacement rate of 25 per cent in cereal crops and 33 per cent in oil seed at national level in the state.
 He said “our thrust is to provide high quality certified seeds to the farmers at their door steps, for which the department should work in close coordination with the farmers to achieve the target of self sufficiency in agriculture production”, he added.
 The Minister impressed upon the offices to create awareness amongst the farmers to popularize high yield varieties of food grains, cereals and vegetables for high return and making the state self-sustained in food. He stressed for organizing awareness camps at different places across the state to educate farmers about government schemes so that benefits of such schemes percolate at the grass-root level, Mir said.
 On the occasion, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, M Iqbal Khandey stressed upon the officers to redouble their efforts for boosting the agriculture production in the State. The minister was informed that during 2010-2011 Rs 17.29 crore were released, out of which Rs 17 crore were utilized.
 Among others Director Agriculture, Jammu and Joint Director Agriculture, Kashmir were also present in the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 5 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST