Jammu and Kashmir government is contemplating to set up separate horticulture university and specialised horticulture training institutes in the state for capacity building in this key sector.
Besides, the government was also mulling setting up Centre of Excellence in horticulture for north and south Kashmir, Horticulture Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri said.
Veeri, who chaired a high-level meeting of officials here yesterday, said horticulture is among the most viable sectors of theState economy and has the potential to bring huge wealth to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister urged the horticulture players, stakeholders and officials to adopt innovative approach to increase production and meet the market demand.
“You need to change your attitude towards the department. This is a huge department which contributes massively to the state’s economy, however it lacks on many fronts,that needs to be changed”, Veeri told the officials.
“Some of the areas are still lackingon infrastructure front. Money has been released but the works are still pending. I want all such works to be completed onwar footing”, he said.
The Minister directed the officials to make a comprehensive plan for boosting the sector.
He urged them to incorporate proposals in Prime Minister’s Comprehensive Package, which would include revamping of district headquarter offices of horticulture department, mobility plan of chief Horticulture officials, revamping of infrastructure at all levels and some innovative schemes for growers and farmers.