Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura convened a meeting to review the overall functioning of Agriculture, Sericulture, Command Area Development (CAD) and Horticulture departments here today.The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir, Legislators Shah Mohammad Tantray, Yashpaul Sharma Dr. Shahnaz Ganai, District Development Commissioner, Poonch Malik Haroon, Director Agriculture Jammu S. S. Jamwal, Director Sericulture Dr. Malik Farooq and all district officers of Horticulture, Irrigation, R&B, PMGSY and other line departments.Deputy Commissioner, Poonch gave resume of the activities of different departments and projected for liberal funding under agriculture sector.It was informed in the meeting that under sericulture sector, the department has produced 16000 kgs of cocoons and distributed 650 ounces of silkworm seeds among 584 farmers generating an income of 16 lakhs. It was also given that that the department has 4 Propagation Nurseries where 60 to 70 lakh mulberry samples can be raised and 66000 mulberry saplings were planted under various schemes in the district.
The Minister was apprised that more than 200 qtls of hybrid maize were distributed among the farmers of the district during last year. It was also given out that awareness camps were organized by the department at various places to educate farmers about the welfare schemes and technical knowhow.The Minister directed the concerned for timely distribution of quality seeds to the farmers for improving productivity. He also stressed on tapping the api-culture potential in the area by genetic up-gradation and proper marketing.While reviewing the irrigation facilities in the district, the Minister directed the concerned to take up necessary repair and renovation works of the khuls immediately so that the farmers don’t face inconvenience.Later, the Minister interacted with the farmers and appealed them to take advantage of welfare schemes launched by the State and Central Governments.After taking stock of the demands and problems projected by the farmers Mr. Hanjura directed the concerned officers to conduct field regular visits and take adequate steps to generate mass awareness about the programmes being implemented for welfare of the farmers.