To boost agriculture production and to raise the socio economic conditions of the rural people of Reasi district who are mainly dependant on agriculture and allied services, the government has earmarked an allocation of Rs. 294.60 lakh for the current financial year under agriculture and allied services sector for Reasi district. It was disclosed by the District Development Commissioner, Reasi Sanjeev Verma in a meeting held here at Reasi the other day. Under Agriculture sector, the allocated amount would be utilized for plant protection, mushroom development which included 100 quintals of mushroom, distribution of High Yielding Variety seeds and fertilizers, establishment of 1000 Dhingri blocks and 80 beehive colonies. Under Horticulture sector, an allocation of Rs. 6.50 lakh would be expended on corresponding physical target of covering 100 hectares with 16750 plants which included 5500 walnut, 11250 apples, and other trees. Besides, 30 Mobile demonstrations would also be conducted by the department during the period. Under Soil Conservation (Forest) sector, against an allocation of Rs. 8 lakh, 10% expenditure was incurred on 1382 cubic meter DSRM works, raising 13000 sisal plants and laying 39 crates during the last financial year. For the current year, Rs. 7 lakh would be spent to cover 47 hectares of area by treatment, through fencing and DRSM crate works. An amount of Rs. 8.37 lakh would be expended for achieving the physical target of stocking 1.50 lakh fish seed and conducting 3 awareness camps in the district. An additional accommodation was also created for the department by the government last year. Under Forest sector, a financial target of Rs. 15 lakh and a physical target of covering 80 hectares of areas has been proposed. Similarly, under Social Forestry, a financial target of Rs. 9.40 lakh to be spent on 49.35 hectares by planting 38100 saplings during the current year. Under Minor Irrigation sector, a financial target of Rs. 228.50 lakh has been proposed whereunder 10 irrigation schemes are targeted for completion during the year 2008-09. Verma has asked all the officers to utilize the funds properly and carry out the development works in a very transparent manner to percolate the benefits to the rural masses at their doorsteps and there shall be no compromise on quality of development works.