SRINAGAR: Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India, on Friday visited prominent agricultural institutions and facilities in the Kashmir Valley to assess ongoing initiatives and explore avenues for strengthening the sector.
During his visit, Chaturvedi inspected the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC), Pampore, where he reviewed the post-harvest and value-addition infrastructure in the centre. He appreciated the technological advancements being implemented to support saffron growers and emphasized the importance of branding and marketing to ensure better price realization for farmers.
Basharat Qayoom (IAS) Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Vikas Anand Director Horticulture , Sartaj Ahmad Shah Director Agriculture, senior officers of the department and scientists accompanied the Secretary during the visits.
The Secretary also visited the Honey Testing Laboratory at Lal Mandi, where he examined the facilities supporting quality assurance and value addition for apiculture-based products. He stressed the significance of traceability and certification in ensuring access to national and international markets.
Director Agriculture Kashmir briefed the dignitarory about the activities, achievements, and future plans of the department across these key sectors.
Later, Chaturvedi toured the Floriculture Nursery at Lalmandi, where he took note of the varieties being cultivated and the potential for floriculture as a high-value agri-enterprise in the region. He encouraged officials to further enhance propagation techniques and promote commercial floriculture among youth and entrepreneurs.