Budgam: In the larger perspective, sustainability of agriculture sector is to a large extent directly proportional to a strong agri based small scale cottage industries (like Apiculture or Honey production, Mushroom Cultivation etc) in the rural areas of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Agriculture Production and Farmer’s Welfare Department is committed to promote these agri based small scale industries in Kashmir valley, these views were expressed by Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal during his visit to the Bee Keepers / Honey Farmers (Apiarists) of Pakherpora area of district Budgam.
Iqbal during an interaction with the honey farmers said that the farmer who is operating a cottage industry could easily supplement the income raised from selling crops. He said these agri based small scale cottage industries like Bee Keeping provides more and more employment opportunities for rural people, unskilled people and women. The honey produced here is one of the best in the country therefore the Department is trying to explore different marketing models in and outside the union territory by virtue of which the honey produced here could be promoted on the national and international platform, he said and added.
He asked the educated youth of the valley to come forward and join hands with the Department so that the agri based small scale cottage industries could be promoted and could touch the new heights in terms of strong rural economy.
Director Agriculture said these agri based small scale cottage industries are eco friendly and contribute to the gross root development of the rural areas.
Besides other officers Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer Chadoora Abdul Hameeed Shah accompanied the Director.

KR Desk