Seeking to make farming sectors in Jammu and Kashmir remunerative, the CPI-M today called for diversification of agriculture and horticulture on modern lines to boost rural economy and productivity in the state.
"There is need for diversification of agriculture and horticulture on modern lines to boost rural economy and productivity in the state. The farming sectors need to be made remunerative," CPI(M) state secretary and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said.
Speaking during the debate on demand of grants for agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors in Legislative Assembly today, Tarigami said it was imperative to provide support to the farming community by exploring all possible marketing channels to make agriculture production remunerative which would improve living conditions of farmers.
He urged the government to ensure that farmers are provided quality agriculture inputs like improved seeds and standard fertilisers to give boost to agriculture production.
Tarigami said agriculture and horticulture sectors suffered a huge setback in the devastating deluge in September last year and the farmers were not in a position to repay their loans raised against their farming land and orchards.
"Horticulture being a major earning sector, measures must be initiated to make this sector remunerative and profitable," he said.
The CPI(M) leader demanded the government to procure second grade apples besides providing all possible support to ensure that quality fruit is produced.
Demanding enhancement in the slab of waiving off Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans beyond Rs one lakh, he said the waiver would benefit lakhs of families who are directly or indirectly under tremendous pressure from the banks ahead of the end of financial year.
