EARTH NEWS SERVICE Jammu, Dec 17 |15: A Deputation of Walnut growers and traders today met Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Aquaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri. The Deputation apprised the minister about the problems being faced by the growers and traders. While expressing his concern over the declining prices of the walnut, Mr. Veeri said that there should be no compromise on the quality of grading and packing of walnuts and its kernels. The Minister asked the Growers to maintain the quality of the walnuts for increasing its market acceptability. He also stressed on planting new variety of walnut trees. Stressing on adopting appropriate harvesting techniques the Minister directed the officers of Horticulture Department to launch massive awareness campaign regarding pre and post harvest management techniques so that walnut growers adopt these scientific techniques. Members of Jammu Fruit Association also presented their demands before the Minister which include organizing awareness camps on harvesting and other post harvest management techniques, use of media for product promotion, and ensuring soil testing at the time of new plantation. Veeri after giving a patient hearing to various demands of the Growers and traders assured them that their demands would be given due consideration adding that necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the interests of growers as well as traders.
