Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, SEPT 18:
Department of Horticulture Jammu organized a Training / Exposure Visit for farmers of Jammu District to Akhnoor to acquaint them with new techniques and innovations in the Horticulture Sector. The visit was organised under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and ATMA.
Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed, Chief Horticulture Officer Rakesh Kotwal, Chief Scientist KVK, R.S.Pura, Dr. Ravneet Kour, District Level SMS Rakesh Kumar Bhagat and other officials of Horticulture Department were also present at the event. The Programme drew a large number of farmers including former Sarpanches, Lambardars and progressive orchardists from the area. The huge turnout reflected the keen interest among the local farming community to adopt modern practices and value addition techniques in the Horticulture Sector.
Interacting with the farmers, the Director acquainted them about the Government schemes launched for Horticulture Development. He highlighted the benefits offered under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He also assured full support from the department for enhancing capacity building of orchardists through training and workshops.
The Chief Horticulture Officer stressed the importance of skill based trainings and practical exposure for empowering farmers
District Level SMS also provided valuable technical guidance to the orchardists on best Horticulture practices, emphasizing plants propagation methods and effective pests and disease control. Later, the Director visited the High Density orchards, Demonstration Plots and Mulching component units where farmers were shown practical aspects of better Orchard Management, High Density Plantation techniques and benefits of mulching in conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds and improving crop productivity.
Technical experts from the department delivered comprehensive demonstrations on Canopy management, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation practices, nutrient management and Post Harvest handling of fruits.
