Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working swiftly to promote the horticulture sector in the state and enhance farmers’ income. In line with this objective, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Friday evening chaired a special review meeting with officers of the Horticulture Department at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh to assess the progress of various departmental projects and schemes. Administrative Secretary Horticulture, Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Horticulture Manish Kumar were also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the Minister held a detailed discussion on various initiatives being implemented to strengthen the horticulture sector and ensure maximum benefits to farmers. He directed the officers to ensure the production of a maximum number of quality saplings in district-level horticulture nurseries so that farmers can be provided high-quality plants on time. He also asked the officers to conduct regular field visits, interact directly with farmers and ensure prompt resolution of their problems.
Meanwhile, District Horticulture Officers apprised the Minister of the difficulties and requirements related to their respective areas. The Minister directed the officers to immediately submit a detailed report for strengthening the infrastructure of horticulture nurseries so that necessary steps could be taken at the earliest.
The Minister also asked the officers to accord priority to works related to the tendering process and directed them to ensure that all works are completed in a timely and transparent manner. While reviewing the cases related to subsidies being provided to farmers, he instructed the officers to ensure the prompt disposal of all pending subsidy cases so that farmers receive benefits without delay.
Referring to his recent visit to Maharashtra, Mr. Bhagat also discussed the horticulture model of that state and said that the horticulture sector in Punjab would also be further strengthened with modern technology and better management practices. He said the government’s objective is to develop Punjab as a strong horticulture state and for this officers must work with clear targets. He added that there is no shortage of funds for the development of the horticulture sector and officers should discharge their duties with dedication and responsibility.
During the meeting, Managing Director, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Ranbir Singh, Director, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Gurjit Singh, Chief Conservator Mohinderjeet Saini, Director, PUNSEED Jaswant Singh, Joint Director Agriculture (Engineering) Jagdish Singh, Joint Directors Harmel Singh and Gursharan Singh; Deputy Director Harpreet Sethi and other district officers, were also present.