Srinagar, June 16: J&K Bank will into a private-public partnership with J&K government and National Horticulture Board for developing a wide range of Compressed Atmospheric Store (C A Store) in nook and corner of the State. This kind of infrastructural development of horticulture sector in the State would be a cornerstone for maintaining the quality of the fresh fruit and increase it’s shelf life to sustain stiff competition in the present day liberal global trade regime.

In this connection a high level meeting was held today at J&K Bank Corporate Headquarters under  the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Minister for Horticulture, Mr. Mohammad Dilawar Mir. Chairman and Chief Executive, J&K Bank, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu, Principle Secretary Agriculture Production, Mr. S. S. Sahani, Secretary Agriculture, Mr. A. R. Fazili, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Executive Directors of the J&K Bank, and Ms. Tanveer Jahan were present in the meeting.

Hon’ble Minister for Horticulture, Mr. Mohammad Dilawar Mir called for formulation of a detailed project report for setting up of C A Stores in the state. “This is urgently required for capacity building in the state in view of liberal financial assistance coming from the Central Government,” said Mr. Dilwar Mir. He urged the Bank to play its critical role in the development of horticulture infrastructure in the state.

Dr. Haseeb A Drabu announced formation of a joint committee of J&K Bank officers and Secretary Agriculture to formulate a comprehensive project report with guidelines for establishing C A stores in major fruit belts of the State.

“J&K Bank will also play a role of a major partner for developing community based irrigation project in the state for the convenience of the fruit growers,” said Dr. Drabu. He suggested showcasing couple of success stories for CAS so that the project could be given a fillip in a phased manner.

Dr. Drabu said that a thrust should be given for rejuvenation of old orchards. “Besides, it has been agreed to formulate an action plan for the development of horticulture jointly by the bank and the state government for the benefit of fruit growers.

 Mr. Dilawar Mir, Hon’ble Minister for Horticulture urged for greater coordination between J&K Bank and the government functionaries to ensure major investment of the Bank in horticulture sector, which is the backbone of the State’s economy.