SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today reviewed the performance & functioning of several departments including the Horticulture and Rural Development Department with respect to the completion of projects, implementation of schemes, deliverables and achievements.
The meeting was attended by the Directors of respective departments along with the senior staff.
At the outset, the Director of Horticulture gave a presentation to give an overview of all the components of the department.
He informed that the Horticulture Department generates Rs 10000 cr annual income for the UT and contributes 8% to the GDP.
He stated that the Kashmir Division has recorded 24.53 lac MT production during 2022-2023.
He presented a road map for the introduction of internationally accepted varieties/rootstocks, the establishment of High-Density Orchards, CA Stores, the adoption of a Mechanised farming system, major activities undertaken by the department etc.
He highlighted achievements under the implementation of various schemes Capex, Capex HADP, MIDH and NBM.
Addressing the meeting Div Com laid focus on the value addition of horticulture produce which he termed a fundamental requirement to increase employment generation and enhance income.
He stressed on the introduction of food processing courses in colleges to open the scope of employment in the horticulture sector.
Director RDD also briefed the chair MNREGA, PMAY-G, Mission Amrit Sarovar, Meri MAATI Mera Desh, Aadhar Seeding, Infrastructure Development of Panchayat Raj Institutions, Swachch Bharat Mission, Integrated Watershed Management, etc.
He also detailed important achievements including the hosting of the Awaas Plus Conference (PMAY-G) in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development (GOI) at Lalit Srinagar and the 3-day National workshop on (Panchayat with Good Governance) in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayat Raj at SKICC Srinagar.
He said 7.18 lakh job cards are active in the Kashmir Division.
Addressing the meeting, Div Com exhorted on ACDs & ACPs of RDD to streamline the demand of work by job cardholders with an equal ratio of work done to remove the pilferage of loss of money.
Div Com impressed on them to do more regarding the execution of works as it is labour intensive and beneficial to poor labourers and developmental front.
He directed them to use abandoned government buildings, particularly School buildings as accommodation for RDD, DDC & BDC offices.
Div Com further instructed to conduct programmes under the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign at the village level and upload photos of the events.
