Farmers in J

Srinagar, Sep 16 (UNI) Encouraged by abundant growth of flowers coupled with favorable agro-climate conditions, more and more people are now taking commercial cultivation of flowers in the Jammu and Kashmir where government has decided to provide all possible help, besides constructing a cold storage in the vicinity of the airport to boost trade.

Director Floriculture Kashmir, Dr Ghulam Sarwar Naqash said the department had registered 300 flower growers under the commercial sector during the last year.

So far 240 beneficiaries stand registered this fiscal, he said at a function here today.

He said the registered beneficiaries are provided technical counselling by the experts of the department regarding cultivation of flowers.

He called upon the farmers to adopt to commercial cultivation of flowers in view of its tremendous potential for employment and as a source of tourist attraction.

Later Principal secretary Agriculture and Floriculture, Sonali Kumar distributed incentive cheques to the tune of about Rs 9.50 lakh under the Technology Mission among 12 flower growers of different parts of the Kashmir valley.

Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised the need for cultivation of flowers on a larger scale for commercial purposes as there is great demand of flowers not only in the country but also outside.

She said all measures are being taken to boost floriculture sector in view of its potential for employment and aesthetic aspect.

She called upon the farmers to join hands with the Floriculture department in making Jammu and Kashmir a state of flowers.

To ensure proper care and preservation of flowers for export purposes, a cold storage facility will be constructed in the vicinity of the Srinagar Airport soon, she added.

Mrs Sonali Kumar hoped that with people switching over to floriculture, the state would touch new heights in the coming days.

UNI BAS AK AS1332