Lucknow: State Minister for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Foreign Trade & Exports (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh reviewed the progress of horticulture development programs at his official residence in Lucknow. Officials were instructed to ensure 100% completion of all physical and financial targets within the stipulated timelines.
The review covered key initiatives including the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, Per Drop More Crop micro-irrigation, horticulture development plans for Ganga riverfronts, Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions, fruit belt development, betel leaf promotion schemes, horticulture programs for SC/ST farmers, and the production of saplings in state nurseries. The Minister emphasized the full-scale operation of high-tech nurseries to ensure the availability of quality planting material.
Minister Singh directed efforts to promote betel leaf production in Raebareli, including the establishment of processing units by entrepreneurs, and stressed measures to increase mango production through higher allocation of mango bags for the upcoming season. He also highlighted the effective implementation of rooftop gardening schemes, urging the creation of marketing centers and provision of necessary equipment in selected districts.
The meeting reviewed potato production, cold storage, and marketing arrangements, with the Minister ensuring that farmers face no difficulties in storage or sale, and that not a single potato remains unutilized. A state-level potato control room has been established for monitoring harvesting, storage, and market prices, reachable at 0522-4235733.
Officials were further instructed to publicize horticulture schemes extensively through social media to ensure maximum farmer participation and benefit.
