EARTH NEWS SERVICE Jammu, Dec 16 |15: Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auquaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri convened a meeting to review the functioning of the Horticulture Department here today. He took a comprehensive review of the physical and financial achievements registered by the department. The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture, M. A. Bukhari. The Minister took a detailed review of the steps taken for improving productivity and development of climate resilient production system through suitable adaption and mitigation means. Veeri stressed on generating awareness about the latest technology among the farmers. He maintained that the post harvest losses should be minimized by timely interventions and disseminating requisite information among farmers. Veeri said that it is vital that the human resource is kept abreast with the latest know how in the field so that the field functionaries help the farmers in increasing productivity. The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that all Mandis are made fully functional and cancel the allotments of those who fail to utilize the allotted spaces in these mandis and go for fresh allotments. Among others who attended the meeting were Director Planning, Agriculture Department, M.A. Mattoo, Director P&M, R. A. Hakeem, Director Horticulture Jammu, A. K. Sharma, Managing Director, HPMC, and all CHOs, DHOs, District SMS and HDOs of Jammu division. Earlier, the Minister who also hold the portfolio of Haj and Auqaf Department also convened a meeting to review the modalities of setting up of nursing institutes in Jammu, Kishtwar and Rajouri. The Minister directed the concerned to ensure all requisite formalities are completed well in time and infrastructure and logistic facilities are put in place to ensure that these colleges become operational from coming academic session. He stressed on providing hostel facilities to the female students.