STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Minister for Horticulture, Abdul Rehman Veeri today visited several hailstorm-hit areas of district Anantnag and took on-the-spot stock of the damages caused to the fruit crop.
The minister directed the concerned authorities for immediate assessment of damages to the fruit crop by the hailstorm and submission of the report to the Government for providing relief to the effected fruit growers. He instructed the Horticulture authorities for issuing advisory to prescribe pesticides for healing damaged fruit crop.
The minister said that Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) would be also revived from current fruit season as a support price to the fruit growers adding that Government would procure C-grade fruit for processing of Juice. He said focused attention is being given to upgrade the quality of fruit in the state. He said several innovative initiatives have been taken to increase the quality fruit production, as Horticulture is the mainstay of state’s economy.
Veeri said that high density fruit plants imported from European countries would be introduced in the state, for the purpose necessary process have been initiated. He said Government has already exempted waiver of 50 per cent of KCC Loan up to Rs 1 lakh to the farmers of the State.
He said waiver of enhancement of KCC Loan is also under active consideration of the Government.
During the tour the minister also took stock of people’s problems and developmental needs.
He said all round development of rural and hilly areas was the priority of the government adding that several people friendly initiatives have been taken by the Government to revolutionize the overall development in the state. He assured the people of the area that appropriate steps have been initiated for improvement and up-gradation of basic amenities in the area.
