Srinagar; Rajbir Singh Panwar, Joint Secretary (MIDH)/MD NHB Union Ministry of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare arrived here on a two-day visit to the Union Territory of JK to review the implementation of MIDH Scheme. He was received by Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (KAS) Director General Horticulture/Mission Director MIDH at Airport.
Later Joint Secretary accompanied by the Director General Horticulture and other officers of the department visited Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Zawoora, Srinagar. Director General Horticulture, briefed the visiting Dignitary about the objective of establishment CoE. Pertinently, Centre of Excellence is being established under the centrally sponsored scheme MIDH at an estimated cost of 924 lakhs. The Centre of Excellence(CoE) serves as a demonstration center for Micro-irrigation, Hi-Tech Green Houses, Tissue Culture Labs and Weather Forecasting Station as well as a source of high-quality planting material to the orchardists of the valley.
The Joint Secretary reviewed the progress made under the different components and advised to complete the project during the current year. He also directed to make the CoE as a self-sustaining model that shall serve as a hub for catering the needs of orchardists in respect of quality plant material. Director General Horticulture pleaded for establishment of more such “Centre of Excellence” in Jammu & Kashmir.

KR Desk