Stating that J&K’s controlled-atmospheric (CA) storage capacity has reached 1 lakh metric tonne store space, Advisor to the Governor, K Skandan, on Wednesday said the government will take all possible steps to boost the horticulture sector as it contributes immensely to the state’s economy.
The advisor, according to an official spokesperson, saidthis during a visit to a CA Store at Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora,Pulwama. He also visited Horticulture Department’s Centre of Excellence (CoE)Zawoora (Khnomoh), here. At Zawoora the advisor held an extensive tour of thecentre and inspected various terraces of high-density Apple orchard, plumorchard, apricot orchard and cherry orchard of improved varieties.
The advisor was informed that the centre is beingconstructed at an estimated cost of Rs 9.24 crore. The centre will havefacilities for the production of high quality fruit plants, micro-irrigation,high-tech greenhouse technology, tissue culture labs, bio-control labs and weatherforecasting station, besides facilities to analyze fruit diseases like scabies,leaf curl, brown rot, etc as well as training to the staff.
The advisor was told about the latest technologies ofgreenhouse for multiplication and high-density apple orchard with the latesttechnology to enhance productivity. The Advisor also inspected walnut germplasmbank having different varieties of walnut. At IGC Lassipora, the Advisorinspected Controlled Atmosphere Cold Store of ‘Fruit Masters Agro Fresh’. TheAdvisor also inspected different sections of the storing unit and was satisfiedwith the facilities being provided there.
On the occasion, Advisor Skandan said that the Government iscommitted to increase growers’ income by increasing the shelf life of the fruit.
Later, a presentation was given to the advisor wherein hewas informed that around 21 MT of apples were produced in the state during 2018-19 and that have contributed 70percent to the national market.
The Advisor was also informed that 1 lakh metric tonne hascome up and the state requires additional 3 lakh MT of CA storage to increasethe holding capacity to avoid distress sale. The advisor assured that thegovernment will take all possible steps to boost the horticulture sector as itcontributes immensely to the state’s economy. Navin Kumar Choudhary, PrincipalSecretary Industries and Commerce, Secretary Horticulture, Manzoor Ahmed Lone,Director Horticulture, Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, Director Agriculture,AltafAijazAndrabi, Director Industries and Commerce Kashmir, Mahmood AhmadShah, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Syed Abid Rashid Shah and other officersaccompanied the Advisor during the visit.