Tag: Doda

  • Snowfall: KU, Cluster University Postpones All Exams Scheduled Today

    Snowfall: KU, Cluster University Postpones All Exams Scheduled Today

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: In view of heavy snowfall, the University of Kashmir (KU) and Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) Monday postponed all examinations that were scheduled to be held on January-30.

    The Controller of Examinations at KU, Dr Majid Zaman said fresh dates for the deferred Examinations will be notified separately later.

    In the meantime, Controller of Examinations at Cluster University Srinagar also said, “All the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled on January have been postponed due to inclement weather.”

    The official said that fresh dates for postponed papers shall be notified separately. (KNO)

    [ad_2]
    #Snowfall #Cluster #University #Postpones #Exams #Scheduled #Today

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Watch: Rahul Says China Holds 2000 Sq Km in Ladakh, Asks Home Minister to Attempt Jammu to Kashmir Yatra

    Watch: Rahul Says China Holds 2000 Sq Km in Ladakh, Asks Home Minister to Attempt Jammu to Kashmir Yatra

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Asking Home Minister Amit Shah to opt for a Jammu to Srinagar yatra if the security situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Chinese sitting on Indian land must be dealt with by the centre. He was speaking to the media in Srinagar after the conclusion of the 134-day-long yatra during which he addressed 15 news conferences.

    Rahul said a Ladakhi delegation clearly said that 2000 square km of the Indian Territory was taken by the Chinese.

    “Government is under the impression that the Chinese have not taken any land from India. I recently met some ex-army people and even a delegation from Ladakh has clearly said that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been taken over by the Chinese,” Rahul said. “They also said that many patrolling points that used to be in India are now firmly in Chinese hands.”

    Terming it “extremely dangerous”, Rahul said: “The approach Government is following by completely denying that the Chinese have taken our land is dangerous and it will give them more confidence to do more aggressive things. We have to deal with the Chinese firmly and tell them they are sitting on our land, won’t be tolerated.”

    Asked about the situation on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi said he met people and is extremely unhappy.

    “Target killing and bomb blasts are happening in Jammu and Kashmir and if the security situation has improved then the conversation the security personnel are having with me should not have been required,” Rahul said. “If the situation is so good why don’t the BJP people walk from Jammu to Lal Chowk? Why doesn’t Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Kashmir if the situation is so secure? I don’t think that argument holds.”

    Congress has alleged a security lapse during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir. Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that police arrangement “completely collapsed” during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir and he had “to cancel” his walk.

    Responding to a volley of several questions about Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul said the restoration of statehood should be the first step.

    “Statehood and restoration of the democratic process is a fundamental and very important first step. The other steps will come later and I do not necessarily have to comment on it here,” he said. “All states have an assembly. The democratic process is the right of the people and it should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. A solution should be found for the people of Ladakh as well.”

    In response to a question about the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress Working Committee has already made its stand clear on the issue. Notably, Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked by the Modi government on August 5, 2019.

    [ad_2]
    #Watch #Rahul #China #Holds #Ladakh #Asks #Home #Minister #Attempt #Jammu #Kashmir #Yatra

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • QR Code, GI Labelling Push Kashmir Handicrafts Exports Touch Rs 729 Cr In Nine Months

    QR Code, GI Labelling Push Kashmir Handicrafts Exports Touch Rs 729 Cr In Nine Months

    [ad_1]

    by Masood Hussain

    SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s handicraft basket will now have a Quick Response (QR) code alongside the GI labelling. This is part of the serious effort by the Jammu and Kashmir government to improve buyer confidence and adequately promote handmade works. The initiative aimed at fair trade practice is taking place at a time when the handicraft sector is exhibiting a strong revival with exports in the last nine months crossing Rs 729 crore, for the first time after 2019.

    Now, 13 Kashmir crafts including six handicrafts already having GI will have distinct QR codes. These include Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Kashmir Papier Machie and Khatamband. In the case of Kashmir Pashmina’s GI labelling has been redeveloped and has been integrated with the QR-Code certification module, Director Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mehmood Ahmad said.

    Kashmir carpet already has a QR code along with the GI labelling. It was launched by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on February 10, 2022.

    The GI certification ensures the buyer that the product is produced only in a particular geographical location and no manufacturer other than those recognized by the registration may claim to produce or sell the same by the name specified under the registration. The QR code gives the buyer the facility to use his cell phone and locate the craftsman or the institution that made the product for further satisfaction of its genuineness.

    Jammu and Kashmir started GI coverage for its craft basket in 2007. So far, it has GI certification available for seven crafts: Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Papier Machie, Khatamband, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving and Kashmir Hand-knotted Carpet.

    For issuing the GI label for Kashmir Pashmina, Jammu and Kashmir government established Craft Development Institute (CDI) in 2013 where the Assistance to State for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) assisted Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) tests the products for its genuineness. “So far, it has certified and labelled more than 16,000 genuine Kashmir Pashmina products and has also conducted 1900 Non-GI tests to ascertain the genuineness of various Non-GI handicraft products,” Ahmad said. “In 2022, the demand for labelling at the centre increased by 1100 per cent.”

    Ahmad said it is helping the product in competing with rivals across the world. In the case of carpets, the dual certification – the GI label and user-friendly QR code have restored consumer confidence hugely. “Till February 2022, we have certified and labelled 6000 carpets,” Ahmad said.

    The data of carpet export exhibits an upward trend. In the last nine months of fiscal 2022 ending December 31, Kashmir exported carpets worth Rs 212.23 crore. This is expected to mark a return from the sluggish exports that Kashmir carpet witnessed from 2017-18 when carpets worth Rs 452.12 crore were sold. The carpet exports were of the order of Rs 353.63 crore in 2018-19; Rs 395.78 crore in 2019-20; Rs 299.56 crore in 2020-21and Rs 251.06 crore in 2021-22. With three months more to go, 2022-23 may have a better export tally in carpets. Kashmir carpets are the major part of the handicrafts sale from the valley making slightly less than half of the overall turnover.

    The handicrafts and handlooms department believes that the distinct QR-coding will help address the deficit that Kashmir crafts have inherited as it avoided implementing the new fair-trade practices. Interestingly the QR-coding is available for products which do not fall in the GI-certified basket.

    “For the convenience of the artisans, traders and exporters, we have heat application secured fusion labels or fabric-based non-tearable, waterproof labels which can be stitched on the product based upon the liking of the customer,” Ahmad said. “The newly introduced QR-Code-based labels are secure tampered proof labels with invisible UV and Micro-Text, heatproof (25 F to 140 F) and shall work on all smooth and rough surfaces.”

    The QR codes are available for genuine handmade crafts under the non-GI category like Copperware, Willow Wicker, Silverware, Filigree and some other items.

    These interventions are taking place at a time when the Kashmir handicraft sector is witnessing an improved turnover as the exports are showing an upswing. The global markets are recession hit and Covid19 has been a key role in it.

    Data suggest that in the first three quarters of the current fiscal ending December 31, 2022, the overall exports of Kashmir handicrafts were at Rs 728.99 crore. This is much improved in comparison to the overall exports of Rs 563.13 in 2021-22 and Rs 635.52 crore in 2020-21. The handicraft exports were at Rs 1090.12 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 917.93 in 20180-19. Kashmir remained under lock and key since 2019 summer, a situation that was extended by the Covid19 pandemic.

    Now the government is working to add ten more crafts in the GI listing. The mandatory dossiers have already been submitted to the GI registry at Chennai. These crafts are Kashmir Namda, Wagguv, Shikara, Gabba, Kashmiri Willow Bats, Crewel, Chain Stitch, Tweed, Basohli Paintings and Chikri Wood. Some of these items have already access to QR-code labelling.

    [ad_2]
    #Code #Labelling #Push #Kashmir #Handicrafts #Exports #Touch #Months

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Avalanche Washes Away Two Girls

    Avalanche Washes Away Two Girls

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Two girls were buried alive after a massive avalanche hit Tangole Village in Kargil district on Sunday. The dead bodies of both the girls have been recovered.

    According to reports with the help of the locals, Ladakh Police party and Basij e Baqiyatullah Kargil reached the spot and recovered both dead bodies.

    The deceased were identified as Kulsum, 11 and Bilques 23 year old.

    LAHDC Kargil CEC Feroz Ahmad Khan has expressed his condolence to the family of the victims and prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased.

    He hailed the efforts of Ladakh Police personnel and volunteers of Baseej-e-Baqiyatullah (ASZ) and said that the rescue operation of finding the bodies of both the girls within hours of the Avalanche is highly commendable.

    Previous articleTargeted Killings, Bomb Blasts Testimony To Deteriorated Security Situation In J&K: Rahul Gandhi
    16c0b9a15388d494e61bc20a8a6a07ba?s=96&d=mm&r=g

    [ad_2]
    #Avalanche #Washes #Girls

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Targeted Killings, Bomb Blasts Testimony To Deteriorated Security Situation In J&K: Rahul Gandhi

    Targeted Killings, Bomb Blasts Testimony To Deteriorated Security Situation In J&K: Rahul Gandhi

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that there has been no change in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir given the targeted killings and bomb blasts here. He, however, stated he would not go back to past, but would look forward to the best in the Union Territory.

    Addressing a press conference in Taj Vivanta Hotel in Srinagar, Rahul Gandhi, as per the news agency KNO said he was not happy to what he saw in Jammu and Kashmir.

    “In fact, I was saddened when I walked through J&K as nobody is happy here and Ladakh as well.”

    He added restoration of democratic process and statehood is imperative and the fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Gandhi, who was flanked by General Secretary Incharge Communication, Jairam Ramesh, Incharge J&K Rajni Patil, JKPCC president, Vikar Rasool Wani, former PCC president Ghulam Ahmad Mir, former MP Tariq Hameed Karra, PCC working president Raman Bhalla, former deputy chief minister Tara Chand and others, said the motive behind the Yatra was to spread love amid hatred being spread by BJP and RSS across the country.

    “The yatra has culminated in Srinagar and main function will be held tomorrow. I got a lot to experience through this yatra, I met lakhs of people, talked to them, I have no words to describe my journey as I got a good response from the people all across including J&K. It was the best experience of my life,” he said.

    Gandhi said during the Yatra people raised two important issues which included unemployment and price hike. “I thank all the people across the country, media and the Yatris, CRPF, police and others who extended their support to us,” he said.

    He further said the Yatra was not Congress party’s Yatra, instead of party leaders, who walked most in it. “The Yatra gave an alternative vision to the people amidst existing BJP & RSS vision that is filled with hatred and violence. Now, the people have two days with them, one is aimed to suppress people and another is full of love and affection,” he said.

    He further said this yatra has not ended but it is a first step as there is a lot more to do in future for an alternative vision for the people and some active measures will be taken in this regard.

    About his yatra in J&K, he said he met a lot of people here and nobody is happy. “I met people in Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir, nobody was happy here. I am not happy with what I see in J&K, in fact, I got saddened when I walk through J&K. While entering J&K, a strange idea came to my mind about my family that descended from J&K and went to Allahabad,” he said.

    He said it felt like he was going home and that was a powerful feeling. “I have affection towards people of J&K. I came here with open heart and open arms to help in whatever way I can. I was humbled with the reception we got. I think love and affection and listening is a powerful force,” he said while replying to a query.

    On being asked about abrogation of Article and its restoration, he said they cleared their position in party’s working committee document.

    About the improvment in security situation, he said the argument doesn’t work at a time of targetted killings, bomb blasts and other things.

    “If the situation has improved, let Union Home Minister Amit Shah hold a rally from Jammu to Srinagar,” he said.

    About the land laws, he said he has already spoke over the issue and whenever elected government is formed, it can take a decision accordingly.

    [ad_2]
    #Targeted #Killings #Bomb #Blasts #Testimony #Deteriorated #Security #Situation #Rahul #Gandhi

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • 400 Kanals Of State, Kahcharie Land Retrieved In Kulgam

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Acting tough against the land encroachers, the District Administration Kulgam in a single day today retrieved more than 400 kanals of state/ kahcharie and Roshni land during intensified anti-encroachment drives carried out across the district.

    Illegal land measuring 10 Kanals was also retrieved from the relatives of Ex MP, with title State Land (Roshni) retrieved after a massive Eviction Drive at Kulgam Town today.

    The Property having worth in Crores has been handed over to the MC, Kulgam, for further management.

    Land measuring 50 Kanals under Survey No 675 recorded Sarkar in revenue records was retrieved today at estate Lammer.

    On spot 40 Kanals were handed over to the Agriculture Department for Seed Multiplication Farm and 10 Kanals were handed over to the Headmaster Government High School Lammer.

    93 Kanals of State land under Survey No. 01 at village Arigatnoo was retrieved from the encroachers and about 1 kanal Kahcharie land with (high commercial value) near Pahloo main market was retrieved with strenuous efforts.

    44 kanals of land were retrieved at HM Guri in DH Pora.

    It is worth mentioning that Kulgam district Administration has activated men and machinery on mission mode to evict the illegal occupants and retrieve the State/ Kahcharie and Roshni land in the district and today more than 400 Kanals of encroached land were retrieved and many structures raised over the encroached land were also dismantled.

    [ad_2]
    #Kanals #State #Kahcharie #Land #Retrieved #Kulgam

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Mehbooba Flags the 75-Year Difference Between Tricolour Unfurling By Nehru and Rahul

    Mehbooba Flags the 75-Year Difference Between Tricolour Unfurling By Nehru and Rahul

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: A day after warmly greeting Rahul Gandhi while joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJO) along with her daughter and mother, Mehbooba Mufti wrote a series of tweets to show the net difference between Nehru’s tricolour hoisting and Rahul’s unfurling of the national flag. At the conclusion of the BJY, Rahul led a battery of Congress leaders to unfurl the tricolour in historic Lal Chowk amid unprecedented security measures.

    Rahul flag scaled e1675001008422
    Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka and other Congress leaders at Lal Chowk Srinagar where they unfurled the national flag. The flag hoisting concluded the Bharat Jodo Yatra that Congress started from Kanyakumari in September 2022. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur

    Unlike the Nehru-presided event soon after accession, Mehbooba said Rahul’s unfurling of the national flag took place under “different circumstances” when Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison.

    “In 1948 when PM Nehru first unfurled tiranga in Kashmir amongst a sea of people, it was a momentous occasion marked by celebrations. People of J&K had successfully fought off invaders by pushing them back & thus began a new relationship with India based on mutual trust & respect,” Mehbooba wrote in a tweet.

    “Nehru’s efforts ensured a Muslim majority J&K acceded to India. He assured Kashmiris & allayed concerns about preserving their identity not only in terms of religion but also culturally within India. This was achieved through constitutional safeguards guaranteed by Article 370,” she said in another tweet.

    11705
    A November 1947 photograph showing Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of Indian making his first important speech in Lal Chowk. During the course of his speech he said “India will never let down Kashmir and the Indian Army will fight on till the last raider is driven out”.

    With this historic background, Mehbooba commented on the unfurling of the tricolour on January 29, 2023, by Rahul, a function she and other like-minded parties n Kashmir skipped.

    “Today history stands witness as RG unfurled the same flag albeit under completely different circumstances at a time when J&K has been turned into a military garrison. Assurances given by Indian constitution have been demolished by BJP & is a complete betrayal,” she wrote. “Despite these facts, BJP claims to have resolved the Kashmir issue by the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. Not only have they failed to address the issue but also gifted 2000 sq km of our territory to China.”

    When Pandit Nehru flew to Srinagar on November 20, 1947, he spoke to a gathering in Lal Chowk. Later, he was taken in a procession to various parts of the Srinagar city. In comparison, Rahul’s function was brief and small and was attended by his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party leaders from Jammu and Kashmir. Nehru had unfurled the flag near the Palladium Cinema, a few notches ahead of the Ghanta Ghar, where the tricolour was unruled today.

    [ad_2]
    #Mehbooba #Flags #75Year #Difference #Tricolour #Unfurling #Nehru #Rahul

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Lt Governor Launches QR-Code Based Labels Of 13 Different GI, Non-GI Registered Crafts Of J&K

    Lt Governor Launches QR-Code Based Labels Of 13 Different GI, Non-GI Registered Crafts Of J&K

    [ad_1]

    JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched QR-Code based Labels of 13 different GI & Non-GI registered crafts of J&K, today at Raj Bhawan.

    Congratulating the Artisan community, Handicraft Department and other stakeholders, the Lt Governor said the QR-Code Labels will help to authenticate the origin and quality of the crafts, improve the quality assurance in both national & international markets and benefit craftsmen, traders and exporters.

    “This is an important landmark in preserving and promoting priceless artistic and cultural heritage of J&K UT. QR-Code based mechanism would help in ensuring product quality, genuineness and boost global demand for J&K handmade products”, added the Lt Governor.

    Highlighting the need to make necessary interventions for brand positioning, the Lt Governor said, GI Tag, QR Code based label, packaging etc will make the Handicraft sector more productive, financially attractive and contribute to the growth of the handicraft industry and earnings of artisans.

    The Lt Governor also shared the vision of the government and the ongoing endeavours to promote local products for greater economic benefits to the artisan and the weaver communities of J&K.

    The administration has taken some important steps to boost Handloom & Handicraft sector in J&K UT through integrated development and export promotion. We are committed to provide all possible support for the development of this important sector, the Lt Governor said.

    The Lt Governor directed the Handicrafts department for product diversification, brand promotion and marketing strategy to connect buyers and artisans.

    He also emphasized on regular consultation of stakeholders, holding regular Buyer-Seller meets and promotion of Self-Help Groups and Artisans at various platforms.

    A live demonstration of QR code scanning of the products was presented on the occasion.

    The souvenirs of G20 featuring local crafts were also presented to the Lt Governor.

    The products for which the QR-Code based labels launched today are Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozni, Kani Shawl, Paper Machie, Khatamband, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving (GI Registered Crafts), and Namdah, Crewel, Chain-Stitch, Silverware, Filigree, Copperware and Willow Wicker (Non-GI Crafts).

    It was informed by the department that with today’s launch, J&K UT has become the first region in the country to issue QR (Quick Response) based labels for all its crafts. The process of getting GI registration for 10 other crafts is under process.

    Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; HoDs, senior officials and Artisans were present.

    [ad_2]
    #Governor #Launches #QRCode #Based #Labels #NonGI #Registered #Crafts

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Govt Approves Rs 146 Cr Project For Promotion Of Niche Crops In J&K

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has approved a prestigious project worth Rs 146 crore to promote the niche crops as unique heritage of the UT, which will be implemented in the next five years.

    “The project aims at diversifying and expanding the area of niche crops over an area of 11,100 hectare thus ensuring livelihood security for 111,000 targetted beneficiaries with a revenue realization of Rs. 2,238 Crore” , Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo said.

    The initiative will focus on increasing production, improving livelihoods and enhancing market accessibility. This will be achieved through establishment of nurseries and seed villages, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, he added.

    Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir is home to a diverse range of niche crops including Saffron, Kalazeera, Kashmiri Lal Mirch, Peanut, Anardhana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, hill garlic, Mushkbudhji (aromatic rice), Red Rice and Shallot (Pran). These crops are grown on an area of 32,000 hectare, with a total production of 24,000 metric tons making a substantial contribution of Rs. 945 crore to the UT GDP.

    The main components of the project included establishment of 5,226 nurseries/seed villages, which will generate 7750 job opportunities for unemployed youth working in the niche sector. Additionally, the project will take up creation of one Mini Spice Park, two Modern Rice Mills and eleven grading and processing units in target clusters, which will be linked with available NABL laboratories and e-trading centers of UT. This will facilitate quality promotion and value addition, leading to profitable accessibility to the market.

    To promote these niche crops at the export level, the project shall also undertake tagging of identified niche crops, for which descriptors will be developed for their uniqueness. Likewise, the project will ensure human resource development for capacity building and employment generation. The project is being jointly undertaken by SKUAST Jammu and Kashmir besides the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir.

    Promotion of Niche Crops is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of J&K. The prestigious committee is headed by Dr Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR with other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics and Administration like Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA and FW, Dr. H S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), apart from the Vice Chancellors of twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.

    There is a long history of cultivating these niche crops in J&K, particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch”, Mr Dulloo said, adding that these crops, including spices, aromatic crops and underutilized horticultural crops, have a significant commercial value and potential to be awarded a GI tag, similar to the tag achieved for Kashmir Saffron.

    Currently, spice niche crops are cultivated on 5525 hectare with a total production of 10163 metric tons. Similarly, aromatic crops are cultivated on 250 hectares, with a total production of 750 metric tons. However, heritage underutilized horticultural crops are scattered, with a very low area of 547 hectares, and a production of 81 metric tons. The existing production scenario suggests a great scope for enhancing production to bridge the prevailing market deficit.

    Diversification of niche crops in potential areas has been proposed on 11100 hectare of land in various districts of the state. Specifically, saffron will be grown on 290 ha in Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur, Kalazeera on 300 ha in Bandipora, Kishtwar and Pulwama, Kashmiri Lal Mirch on 1000 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara, Peanut on 410 ha in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar, Bhaderwah Rajmash on 6000 ha in Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, Hill Garlic on 2000 ha in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, Mushkbudji on 600 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara besides Red Rice on 500 ha in District Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Budgam districts.

    To meet the emerging market demand for niche crops as functional food, there is an immediate need to extend the area of cultivation in similar agro-ecological conditions in J&K, either as a sole crop or as an intercrop. The introduction of niche value chains in prevailing cropping systems will not only increase production but will also meet the goal of raising farmers income substantially, ensuring livelihood security and stability. The expanded area of cultivation will include Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Kishtwar.

    One of the key challenges in expanding the area of cultivation is lack of availability of quality planting material. The project aims to address this challenge through establishment of 5182 registered nurseries on 408 ha and 44 seed villages over an area of 212 ha particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Baderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch. The cumulative output from the nurseries/seed villages shall include 2159 MT of quality planting material, 40000 plants and 10 crore seedlings. The outcome of the project will serve as a pilot module for area expansion for production enhancement of high value crops as a long-term strategy in UT of J&K.

    [ad_2]
    #Govt #Approves #Project #Promotion #Niche #Crops

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Clicking Photographs: Border Garrison Detains 11 Labourers For Questioning

    Clicking Photographs: Border Garrison Detains 11 Labourers For Questioning

    [ad_1]

    SRINAGAR: Managers of a Territorial Army unit deployed near the International Border have detained 11 labourers for clicking photographs of the camp, reports appearing in media said. While nine of them are being questioned by the camp officials, two of them have been handed over to the police.

    The incident was reported from Arnia sector in Jammu which is manning a crucial stretch of the international border with Pakistan. The sector has witnessed fierce exchanges with rivals on the other side of the divide. Off late, however, it is infiltration that is the dominant concern.

    Chandigarh-based newspaper, The Tribune reported that after they were seen clicking pictures of an Army installation, they were detained. Initially two f them of them were seen and later nine others were also questioned. Their cell phones have been seized.

    “The labourers belong to Gool in Reasi and Loran, Mandi of Poonch district,” the newspaper reported. “They were working on a pipe-laying project.”

    Photograph used in this report is merely representational and not linked to the details of the news item.

    [ad_2]
    #Clicking #Photographs #Border #Garrison #Detains #Labourers #Questioning

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )