Atal Dulloo reviews progress on High Density Plantation Programme

Emphasizes enhanced productivity, income for fruit growers

SRINAGAR, May 13: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of officers to review progress on High Density Plantation Programme.

The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Joint Director Horticulture Kashmir, Deputy Director Horticulture Kashmir, Chief Horticulture Officers, representatives of financial institutions, private empanelled agencies and progressive orchardists.

During the meeting, a comprehensive overview of the scheme and its progress was presented by the Director of Horticulture, Kashmir.

ACS had detailed deliberation on implementation of the programme with valuable input from field officers, private empanelled agencies, and progressive orchardists.

Emphasizing the significance of timely completion and planting, Atal Dulloo instructed all participants to ensure the achievement of targets in time under this prestigious programme. He highlighted the objectives of the High Density Plantation programme, which aims to enhance fruit crop productivity, improve fruit quality and increase the income of fruit growers.

He also urged upon the private empanelled agencies and financial institutions to collaborate with the department in addressing any challenges that arise for smooth implementation of the scheme.

The meeting delved into details such as crop-wise per hectare budget and the district-wise status of the Revised Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme (RMHDPS).

The High-Density Plantation Programme, a flagship initiative of the Horticulture Department, has garnered significant interest and support from orchardists and private empanelled agencies. With its potential to revolutionize the fruit industry in the region, the programme is poised to bring substantial benefits.

Later, Additional Chief Secretary along with the Director of Horticulture Jammu and Kashmir besides other officers of the department, visited Pulwama to inaugurate various High-Density Orchards.

They also inspected Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Stores established with the assistance of the Department of Horticulture.

During the visit, ACS interacted with the orchardists and emphasized the importance of enhancing CA storage capacity to maintain fruit quality and shelf life.

ACS said that this visit to Pulwama was aimed to assess the progress made under the High-Density Plantation Programme and promote  adoption of good horticultural practices, aligning with the objective of doubling farmers’ income.

Furthermore, it also aimed to encourage entrepreneurs to establish CA stores and post harvest units, contributing towards development of horticultural sector.