Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Sep 25 : The government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that it plans to undertake a field research-cum-feasibility study to assess the potential of Uri in Baramulla district for large-scale commercial plantations, particularly olive and other suitable non-fruit species.
The information was provided by the Agriculture Production Department in response to a question raised by Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi.
The government, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the study will be conducted through Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir. “The exercise aims to evaluate the viability of large-scale commercial plantations in Uri, keeping in view the area’s limited traditional agriculture and horticulture opportunities.”
The government said the study will also examine the scope for demonstration plantations, nursery development and value-chain opportunities, wherever found suitable.
The Minister in-charge said the findings would help identify commercially viable plantation models and guide future interventions in the sector.
The government further said that, based on the outcome of the study, an action plan for pilot plantations and subsequent scaling-up of viable models would be considered in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.—(KNO)
