*”Centre to Boost J&K’s Agriculture with ₹150-Crore Clean Plant Center”*

Srinagar, July 03,NSR:

The Union Government has announced several initiatives to boost agriculture and rural development in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss various projects and schemes.

A key decision taken during the meeting is the establishment of a ₹150-crore Clean Plant Center in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The center will provide disease-free planting material for horticulture crops, benefiting farmers in the region.

Additionally, the government will establish a tissue culture lab and nursery to boost saffron production, a symbol of Kashmir’s identity. The National Saffron Mission will be revised to suit local conditions, and an expert team of scientists will be formed to improve productivity and reduce losses.

The government is also working to empower rural women through Self Help Groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Many women have become Lakhpati Didis, earning ₹1 lakh annually, and some have even become Millionaire Didis, earning ₹10 lakh annually.

Furthermore, the government aims to ensure job availability through MGNREGA and will provide training programs for youth. Efforts will also be made to enhance irrigation, improve soil health, and regulate fertilizers.

These initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers, rural women, and youth in Jammu and Kashmir, promoting agricultural growth and rural development in the region.