Vohra emphasises time-bound plans for diversification of agri

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has emphasised that for achieving all round rapid growth, it is imperative that well considered plans for diversification of agriculture and its allied sectors, through the application of the latest technical know-how, should be implemented within a time-bound framework.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing the Valedictory Session of the three-day J&K Agricultural Science Congress, organised by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, in collaboration with the J&K State Council for Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and the National Horticulture Board at the SKICC here last evening.
The Science Congress held deliberations on various aspects of “Mountain Agriculture in Transition: Challenges and Way Forward”.
The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University, observed that with the latest technological approaches being adopted, agriculture and its allied sectors in the J&K have high potential of contributing significantly towards enhancing the GDP of the state within the next three-four years.
To secure this objective, Mr Vohra stressed, it would be beneficial, for making the best use of all available resources, if an effectively coordinated approach is followed, by each of the state government departments and agencies which are responsible for implementing schemes and programmes of rural development.
In this context, he observed that it is of crucial importance for the Farm Universities and the extension agencies of the state government to work in complete coordination. This shall enable technology, research and new agri-outputs being taken to the farmers for increasing agricultural productivity and production.
The Governor said while the Ladakh region faces certain constraints, Jammu and Kashmir regions have high potential for intensification of cultivation and adoption of a multi-cropping pattern.
He said intensive vegetable cultivation, including mushroom growing and several other activities can lead to an enormous increase in the farm incomes in the state.