Improve marketing for better returns to farmers: Hanjura

Tribune News Service

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Jammu, April 20

Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura has underscored the need for proper implementation of centrally and state-sponsored schemes to ensure that their benefits reach farmers.

He has stressed keeping them abreast with the latest knowhow and providing better marketing facilities to accelerate agricultural growth and ensuring that farmers get remunerative returns.

The minister was speaking at a meeting convened to review the functioning of agriculture, sericulture, agro-industries and command area development departments here today.

Hanjura said focused attention should be laid on improving marketing facilities. He directed officials to chalk out a comprehensive policy in this regard so that farmers could get better returns for their produce.

Taking a detailed review of progress under the saffron mission, the minister expressed grave concern over the delay in setting up sprinkle irrigation facility.

He directed the Mechanical Engineering Department to gear up their efforts to ensure that the project was completed in time.

He ordered strengthening of law enforcement wings of the departments to ensure proper monitoring of rates and quality of pesticides and chemical fertilisers available to farmers.

He asked those concerned to take strict action against those found indulging in unfair trade practices in order to safeguard the interests of farmers.