Pampore, Apr 21: Director Horticulture, Union Ministry of Agriculture, Shailendra Kumar today reviewed the implementation of ‘National Mission on Saffron’ and ‘National Vegetable Initiative’.  The Director visited various areas in Srinagar and Pulwama to take stock of the activities being implemented under the mission, an official statement said.  Kumar inspected ongoing work on Saffron Park being constructed at Drusoo Pampore and the work of digging of bore wells at Indroosa.
 While interacting with the saffron growers, Kumar said that Rs 372 crore National Mission on Saffron was aimed to increase production and productivity, help maintain quality and improve marketing facilities for the growers.
 He said that in order to provide marketing cover to the saffron growers and eliminate middlemen, a modern Saffron Park with quality control Lab will be established at Dursoo Pampore for which Rs 22.6 crore have been earmarked.  He asked the growers to avail the benefits of the Mission for improving their livelihood.
 He asked the officials of the Department to work with farmers to ensure transfer of technologies to achieve highest production potential of Saffron.  The growers, the statement said, expressed satisfaction about the implementation of the mission and “appreciated the efforts of Agriculture Department.”
 Later, Kumar reviewed the progress of Saffron Mission and Vegetable initiative for Srinagar city at a meeting with the officers of the department EDI Pampore.  He said the roadmap for implementation for various components of the mission has now been established and the work has taken off well.  Targets under various components for 2012-13 were fixed and discussion regarding overcoming bottlenecks taken in the meeting.  Kumar asked the engineers of the Department to ensure construction of 72 bore wells during the current season.  He impressed the officials of the department to work as facilitators of the farming community.
 Director Agriculture Dr Farooq A Lone apprised the meeting that during 2011-2012, 337 hectares have been rejuvenation for saffron cultivation for which Rs 18 crore incentive was provided to the farmers.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST