The Expert Group constituted by the State Government to formulate the maiden horticulture policy for Jammu and Kashmir held its 2nd meeting here today under the chairmanship of Secretary Horticulture, Mr M H Malik.

The meeting decided to reach out to various stakeholders to take their inputs for the proposed Horticulture Policy.

It was decided that, to begin with, the Expert Group would consult the fruit plant nursery owners, orchardists, local fruit traders, CA store owners and processors in various parts of the State to get their views for the policy.

The meeting also decided that zoning of various parts of the State shall be undertaken on the basis of the specific fruits cultivated in a particular area so that focused attention is paid to boost productivity and consequent economic activity in that area with modern technological intervention.

Pertinently, the Expert Group, constituted earlier this year, has been mandated to draft comprehensive horticulture policy with a vision for next 25-30 years. The Group would suggest short and long term pre and post harvest measures to increase quality, production, productivity and suggest appropriate technological interventions, human resource development to meet the nutrition requirements, international competition and safeguard the interest of growers to increase their income.

Besides Secretary Horticulture, the other members of the expert committee include Prof Nazeer Ahmad, VC SKUAST Kashmir, Dr Pradeep K Sharma, VC SKUAST Jammu, Dr R P Awasthi, former VC YS Parmer University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan, Dr Abdul Ahad Sofi, Ex Director CITH and Vijay Sardana, Head Food Security and Agri Business, UPL Group.

Guest