Srinagar, March 24 -- JKPC President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone made a strong case for revitalizing the region's horticulture sector through increased budget allocation and modernization efforts in a thoughtful address to the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Monday.

Emphasizing horticulture's critical role in the region's economy, Lone highlighted the significant disparity between the sector's economic contribution and its budgetary support.

"I believe horticulture is a lifeline in terms of employment. There have been a few interventions, and though estimates vary, its turnover is approximately ?10,000 crore. Around 7.5 lakh families are associated with it. It contributes 8% to GDP, but the budget allocation is less than 1%, amounting to on...