Dehradun: A meeting of the High-Powered Committee related to the JICA-financed Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Project was held at the Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. The meeting included detailed discussions on expanding and strengthening the horticulture sector in the state.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a comprehensive horticulture plan for Uttarakhand. He said that the state has immense potential for advanced horticulture and that schemes should be implemented on the ground keeping these possibilities in mind.
Emphasizing the need to increase the total horticulture area in the state, he said that farmers should be provided with handholding support, training, and technical assistance. Stress was also laid on providing extensive training in grafting techniques to boost production.
The Chief Secretary instructed officials to adopt a cluster approach to increase production. He said that not only production but also the development of a strong supply chain and cold storage system is necessary so that farmers can receive direct benefits.
He also directed officials to ensure that there is no duplication in the schemes and that regular monitoring is carried out effectively. Emphasis was also placed on maintaining the active role of the Horticulture Department in providing continuous support to farmers even after the completion of the project.
Secretary S.N. Pandey, Director General of Horticulture Vandana Singh, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
