Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 May: A high‑powered committee meeting related to the JICA‑funded Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Project was held at the Secretariat here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary (CS) Anand Bardhan. During the meeting, Bardhan directed the officials to prepare a complete horticulture plan for the state, noting that Uttarakhand has immense potential for advanced horticulture and plans must be framed accordingly.
The CS instructed that efforts be made to expand the total horticulture area in the state, with farmers provided hand‑holding, training and technical assistance. He stressed on the need to impart training in grafting techniques to farmers so that production can be enhanced. Bardhan said a cluster approach should be adopted to increase output, while simultaneously developing supply chains and strengthening cold storage facilities. He stressed that focus must be placed on improved varieties and expansion of areas under horticulture to boost production.
The CS also directed that duplication of schemes must be avoided and regular monitoring ensured. He added that even after the project is completed, the role of the Horticulture Department should continue in providing assistance to farmers.
Among those present at the meeting were Secretary SN Pandey, Director General Horticulture Vandana Singh and other senior officials.
