STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday stressed on strict pesticide and fertiliser quality check in order to maintain the production quality of horticulture sector and save the farmers from losses.
While chairing a meeting of Horticulture Development Board here, the CM said horticulture is the mainstay of a large section of population in the State and it contributes significantly to the State’s economy.
She said that there is a dire need of regulation and quality control of pesticides and fertilisers so that the quality of the horticulture produce is ensured and its export standards are also maintained.
She further laid stress on early operationalisation of pesticide testing labs in Jammu and Kashmir provinces which have been already sanctioned. Fertiliser checking at the district levels should be done so that farmers remain aware about the standards and efficacy of sprays and oils they would be using, she added.
The meeting was told that 35 lakh souls of seven lakh families are associated with the horticulture sector in the State. The meeting was also informed that 14 lakh metric tonnes of fruit were exported from the State last year. She also inaugurated the website of Horticulture Department www.horticulture.gov.jk.in.
Minister for Finance Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu, legislators, M. Y Tarigami, Bashir Ahmad Dar, Javid Hassan Baig, Rajeev Sharma, Chief Secretary, B. R Sharma, Financial Commissioner, Planning & Development B. B Vyas, Commissioner-Secretary, Finance Navin Chaudhary, Secretary, Horticulture M. H Malik and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
