Minister for Revenue, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Abdul Rehman Veeri today convened a high level meeting of officers to review the functioning of the various departments under him.

The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmed, Commissioner Secretary Revenue Department, Muhammad Ashraf Mir, Secretary Horticulture M H Malik, Custodian General, Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, Director Horticulture Rafiq Ahmed, Bashir Ahmed Mir Custodian Kashmir and Ghulam Jeelani Rafique, Dy Custodian (central).

Interacting with the officials, the Minister said that the Custodian Department would develop apple and walnut orchards on scientific lines in Shopian and Anantnag districts to give flip to the revenue generation. He said that Department would develop apple orchard at Haftshirmal and walnut orchard at Andoo Anantnag on scientific lines. The Minister impressed on the officers to gear up for turning the department from asset keeper to asset developer.

The Minister directed for setting up a high level committee headed by Commissioner Secretary Revenue of different departments for framing an out lay of these orchards and their development. He said development of orchards is part of resource mobilization for generation of revenue for department.

Veeri also asked the VC SKUAST (K) to submit a concept paper for development of these custodian assets as revenue generating orchards. Director Horticulture Kashmir informed the Meeting that department would provide assistance in technical guidance, soil testing, and irrigation through the usage of bore wells. The Minister directed for engagement of some persons for development of these orchards throughout the year and stressed on higher officials to frame a timeline for visit of officers from middle rung to top officials of the department regularly.

The VC SKUAST (K) and Director Horticulture assured the Minister of technical guidance at all stages of development and filed visit of their officers at these proposed sites.

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