Shabnam Fayaz Pulwama, Dec 05: Shabnam Fayaz reports a significant development as the Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Finance Services, Ministry of Finance, visited the esteemed Pampore Saffron Producers Company in Latpora. The purpose of the visit was to foster interaction and assess the progress of the saffron industry in the Kashmir Valley.
Accompanying the Secretary were key dignitaries, including Chief General Manager of NABARD, B. Sridhar, Chairman of the Pampore Farmers Producer Organization (FPO), Ab Majid Wani, and other FPO members from Jammu and Kashmir.
The event provided a platform for the Secretary Finance to engage with FPO members, gaining insights into their experiences and challenges. The Secretary took a keen interest in understanding the nuances of saffron production, acknowledging its significance to the local economy.
A comprehensive review of the FPO’s progress was conducted during the program, highlighting achievements and identifying areas for improvement. FPO members actively participated, putting forth their demands and concerns. Secretary Finance assured the FPO members of the government’s commitment, pledging every possible support to address their needs.
Chief General Manager of NABARD, B. Sridhar, expressed optimism about the positive impact that targeted financial support could bring to the saffron producers. He underlined NABARD’s commitment to facilitating financial inclusion and sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The Chairman of FPO Pampore, Ab Majid Wani, extended gratitude to the Secretary for the visit and welcomed the assurance of support. Wani emphasized the importance of such interactions in fostering a conducive environment for the growth of saffron cultivation.
The visit concluded with a sense of optimism and a commitment to collaborative efforts to boost the saffron industry in Kashmir. The Secretary’s assurance of support reflects the government’s dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture and economic development in the region.
