Recently integrated comprehensive tribal welfare policy planned by the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the problems of the “adivasis” across Maharashtra. This policy meant for better coordination with the multiple departments of centre and state to solve the problems of the minor community- adivasis across Maharashtra. The state government is also looking for the possibility of having a separate agriculture policy for the tribal farmers.

The finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is keen on taking up the projects on priority. The chief minister will conduct meeting with the union minister for agriculture Radhamohan Singh to take the proposal and central schemes for educational development of tribal belts.

Development of skill education and vocational courses in the tribal belt will help in new employment opportunities in the tribal region. The chief minister has indicated to the minister that the ten point programs listed in the Vision Document for the tribal development should be taken on priority by the government. There are various aspects of CM’s Vision Document which includes special training program for tribal youths, enabling employment opportunities in jungle tourism as we as adventure tourism etc. Eco-tourism will be emphasized in hilly areas.

The project of solar lamp in adivasi areas is also one of major project in vision document. This document includes plan of Boarding schools for the tribal children whose parents are migrant workers. Government will encourage other plans that intend to provide land and financial support to the non-government organizations floated by tribals in their own region.

Courtesy : www.economictimes.indiatimes.com

TSaba Firdous Srinagar, June 4: As horticulture is emerging as lucrative business, the growers in the valley are fast converting their paddy land into orchards. According to the growers, horticulture has been more profitable than other agriculture activities especially cultivation of rice. “Horticulture is more profitable than any other agriculture activity,” said Chairman Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association Ghulam Rasool Wagay. Growers complain that paddy growing is more laborious than horticulture their family members are not willing to work in paddy fields. Mohammad Akbar Sofi, a grower said, “People are not ready to work on paddy fields. Agriculture requires more hard work than horticulture. Horticulture is more profitable too.” Sofi said there is no point in growing rice when it is imported at cheaper prices from outside the state to Valley. “Very few people from Kashmir buy local rice which costs double that what is imported from outside,” Sofi added. Director Horticulture PK Sharma said that growers prefer horticulture over other agriculture practices. “Horticulture is less labor intensive. Growers earn more in horticulture than in agriculture,” said Sharma. Director Agriculture, Mushtaq Peerzada, said they are trying their best to safeguard agriculture. “We have introduced new methods of agriculture, new mechanism that is helpful for not only farmers but other educated youth who can contribute to the field of agriculture. This can help us where growers will also sustain in agriculture,” Mushtaq said. As per the official figures, the horticulture contributes of about 300 lakh metric tons of production per annum, while more than 70% population is directly and indirectly involved in horticulture and allied activities. The figures show that more than 7 crore boxes of fruit were exported per year, while 3 crore boxes were consumed in the domestic market. There are 282 private registered nurseries of horticulture which produce 25 lakh plants per year with the income of Rs 9 crore. Over 5 lakh fruit plants were annually supplied to other States. Each hectare of orchard generates employment of 400 man-days per year which is 13.80 crore man-days per annum.

Courtesy & Source : risingkashmir.com