Srinagar, Nov 05 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Thursday called for covering land presently under illegal poppy and bung cultivation for agricultural and horticulture purposes in Kashmir.
Div Com said this, while chairing a meeting of officers to review the preparation for action plan for bung and poppy destruction.
He said that instead of bung or poppy, apples and paddy cultivation shall be taken over on the said land. He said that would not only help in tackling the drug abuse but also give a fillip to the farmer's economy.
The Div Com stressed on launching a massive IEC programme to persuade people to use their land for agricultural and horticultural purposes instead of growing illegal plantations.
He said that farmers shall be provided assistance like agricultural input, seeds, fertilizer and necessary gadgets for using the land for growing apple and paddy crops.
The Div Com said that though the awareness programme, people shall be sensitized about the adverse effects of drug abuse on the society and on the economy.
He emphasized on sustained drives shall continue for destruction of the poppy or bung cultivation across Kashmir.
The Div Com directed concerned to prepare and submit a comprehensive budget for the grant of National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse (NFCDA), to combat the cultivation of poppy and bung and menace of drug abuse.
He emphasized on proper treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, counseling and skill development programmes, building and strengthening of related infrastructure and continuing massive destruction drives against the cultivation.
Among others, the meeting was attended by DC Excise, Conservator Forests Kashmir, JD Agriculture, JD Horticulture, DD Health, DySP Crime, DySP ANTF—(KNO)