JK govt mulling to set up board to boost walnut production

Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir government is mulling to set up a board which will suggest scientific techniques to boost walnut production in the state.

"The government proposes to set up a Walnut Board in the state to give a boost to walnut production in a big way on scientific lines," Minister for Horticulture, Raman Bhalla said at a meeting here yesterday.

"Jammu and Kashmir enjoys monopoly on this fruit as it is the only state in the whole country where it is produced," Bhalla said. The minister said the need of the hour was to exploit the optimum potential in the sector by setting up scientific walnut processing units in various areas of the state.

"This is key to ensuring economic growth of the state in general and farming community in particular as horticulture is the backbone of the state's economy," he said.

The Minister called for close coordination between Horticulture Department and Sheri-e-Kashmir Agriculture University of Sciences and Technology so that maximum farmers are benefited.

He directed for judicious use of funds available under the horticulture sector and appealed farmers to take advantage of schemes meant for them.

PTI