In order to provide a dignified alternative to people involved in illegal cultivation of poppy and cannabis, Horticulture Department is ready to provide plant material and other infrastructure to the farmers willing to shift their crop to high density apple or other orchard activity.
Director Horticulture Ajaz Ahmad Bhat has said this,according to a statement, during his visit to Shopian and Pulwamadistricts.
“People engaged with the cultivation of banned poppy andcannabis, can switch over to profitable business of high density plantation,where Horticulture Department provide infrastructure and plant material onsubsidised rates,” Ajaz said.
“A high density orchard produces fruit from the first yearof plantation and the minimum yield is worth Rs 1 lakh per kanal,” he added.
Poppy and cannabis cultivation in the south Kashmirdistricts of Anantnag, Pulwama and some parts of Shopian has become a bigchallenge for the administration. The menace has not onlycreated drug mafiasbut has also involved youth in the use of these drugs.
The director horticulture during his visit inspected plantnurseries in Nowgam, Pulwama and Heerpora and Zainpora nurseries in Shopian andreviewed the function of the department.
Director Horticulture also visited various Offices includingHorticulture Development Office, Awantipora, where the concerned HDO was foundabsent from duty and was placed under suspension.