Srinagar, August 24, (Scoop News)- Union Minister for Agriculture, Radha Mohan Singh called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here on Sunday and discussed various matters relating to the development of agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
The focus in the meeting was on the establishment of Horticulture University for the State where there is more than 3.55 lakh hectares under orchards with an annual production of 21 lakh tonnes of fruit.
Matters relating to the revival of senile over-aged orchards and procurement of ready to use Soil Testing Labs were also discussed in the meeting.
It was stated that more than 40000 hectares under apple trees and 5000 hectares under almonds have become senile and over-aged, and require rejuvenation and re-plantation. An amount of Rs. 20 crore will be required for bringing 1000 hectare per year under rejuvenation programme. These old orchards have an average productivity of 1.5 to 2 tonne at present but once rejuvenated will yield 5 tonnes to 11 tonnes per hectare per year after 5 to 15 years. The State Government sought support of the Union Agriculture Ministry in this regard.
The State Government also sought support for procurement of ready to use Soil Testing Labs which can be put to use immediately.
MORE AT http://scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=40215