SRINAGAR: Union Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Devesh Chaturvedi, today visited prominent Agricultural Institutions and facilities in the Kashmir Valley to assess the ongoing initiatives and explore avenues for further strengthening of the sector.

During the visit, Devesh Chaturvedi inspected the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC), where he reviewed the post-harvest and value-addition infrastructure in the centre. He appreciated the technological advancements being implemented to support the saffron growers. He emphasized the importance of branding and marketing to ensure better price realization for the farmers.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom; Director Horticulture, Vikas Anand; Director Agriculture, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, senior officers of the Department and scientists accompanied the Secretary during the visits.

The Union Secretary also visited the Honey Testing Laboratory at Lalmandi, where he examined the facilities supporting quality assurance and value addition for apiculture-based products. He stressed the significance of traceability and certification in ensuring access to national and international markets.

The Director Agriculture Kashmir, briefed the Union Secretary about the activities, achievements and future plans of the department across these key sectors.

Later, Devesh Chaturvedi toured the Floriculture Nursery at Lalmandi, where he took note of the varieties being cultivated and the potential for floriculture as a high-value agri-enterprise in the region. He encouraged the officials to further enhance propagation techniques and promote commercial floriculture among youth and entrepreneurs.