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Srinagar, July 28 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir has decided to revive the flori-based business which has received a setback due to fifteen-year-long militancy in the state.

Transport and Floriculture Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said the state has vast potential of floriculture development and it has been decided to tap it by expanding activities of Floriculture department. Taking advantage of the varied climates of different regions of he state, the private sector is gaining field in this trade which has immense employment opportunities.

Mr. Sharma said that potential sectors of floriculture include cutflower, bulb and seed production, besides, wild flora development of dry flowers and other products of ornamental nurseries, aromatic and medicinal plants.

He said that the department has opted to flourish the trade by extending technical know-how and other facilities to growers from cultivation to marketing and removing the constraints they face and Rs twenty-four crore have been earmarked for that.

To overcome the constraints the government has initiated several steps which include expansion of area under floriculture, post harvest management, creation of infrastructure and promotion of floriculture.

The Minister said that the department also contemplates to expand its development activities in every nook and corner of the state by way of purchase of modern technology including machinery, adding development of new areas is on the agenda of the government.

UNI BAS AHW SY VA DB1307