Department Background

The State of J&K is not just a tourists paradise, but is home to some world famous varieties of fruit both fresh and dry, exotic flowers, Honey, Saffron, Morals, etc. It is a treat to watch almond orchards in bloom, drive along the Saffron fields and apple orchards when the fruit is in flowering stage.
Horticulture is the fundamental strength of the States economy with a yearly turnover of Rs. 1200 crores. It provides direct and indirect employment to about 23.00 lakhs people with possibilities of further enhancement.
It is with this potential in view, that State Government has declared Horticulture as a thrust areas and embarked on very ambitions schemes like :-

    
   

i.    To advise and assist in the formulation of Development plans of the horticulture sector
ii.    To organize promotion and publicity for better marketing of fruits and vegetables
iii.    To provide market intelligence and information to the fruit and vegetable growers and those involved in the trade and distribution of these commodities
iv.    To conduct or get conducted economic and market studies relating to production distribution and, utilization of horticultural produce
v.    To coordinate efforts for providing facilities at different dispatch, distribution and marketing centers.
vi.    To supervise and regulate the grading and packing
of horticulture produce
vii.    To assess and solve problems involved in the marketing, distribution and utilization of horticultural produce and
viii.    To organize and supervise Fruit Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Societies