Ganderbal, Mar 13: Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (KAS) today inaugurated the newly constructed office building of the Horticulture Development Office Kangan Ganderbal constructed under the Capex Budget at an estimated cost of Rs.68.59 lacs.

A press statement said that besides the Director Horticulture, Deputy Director Horticulture, Chief Horticulture officer Ganderbal, Executive Engineer Horticulture (P&M), Chowdhary Bashir Ahmad Tedwa, ST Representative and a number of orchardists were present.

The Director Horticulture expressed satisfaction on quality of work by the Horticulture Planning and Marketing (Executing Agency). He said that the Government is committed to facilitate the growers of the area for providing assistance under various CSS and UT schemes to the public in general and  ST population. He also distributed sanction letters to the orchardists for procurement of Tractors, Tillers, Power operated Sprayers etc. 

While interacting with the orchardists present on the occasion, the Director said that Horticulture and allied activities constitute mainstay of the economy of J&K and that several initiatives have already been taken in this sector “so that it becomes a game changer for the economy of the UT and helps in generation of job avenues to the youth.” He urged the farmers to avail benefits of schemes like backyard Horticulture, MIDH, PMDP etc. and directed the officers to “ensure that the benefits of the schemes peculate down to deserved beneficiaries as per guidelines of the schemes.”