Srinagar, June 27 -- The functioning of the Horticulture Planning and Marketing (HPM) Department in Jammu and Kashmir is facing serious disruptions as multiple senior-level posts have remained vacant for extended periods, severely affecting the implementation of vital agricultural schemes and support services for fruit growers and agro-entrepreneurs.

Reports reaching to Kashmir News Service (KNS) reveal that the position of Joint Director has been unoccupied for nearly a year and a half, while the Deputy Director for Kashmir has been missing from the roster for the past eight months. Adding to the crisis, eight important Area Marketing Officer (AMO) posts-spanning key districts like Pulwama, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Kishtwar, as well as...