PULWAMA, APRIL 08 (KNS): The Director Horticulture Kashmir, G.R. MIR today conducted an extensive tour to Pulwama to inspect Orchards, participate in plantation drives and listen to Orchardists.

At the outset, the Director visited Ladoo, Pulwama where he inspected various orchards and also participated in a high-density plantation drive.

During his interaction with the orchardists, he attentively listened to their demands/issues and offered assurance of comprehensive support in all aspects.

He issued directives to the field functionaries of the Department to provide the orchardists with all technical expertise required for the entire range of orchard-related activities, spanning from training and pruning to harvesting, encompassing thinning, fertigation, nutrient management, pest/disease management, among others.

He further advised the orchardists to follow the advisory/spray schedule issued by the Department.

He was accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Pulwama and other officers of the district.

Later, the Director visited Centre of Excellence (CoE), Zawoora, Fruit Plant Nursery Zakura and Harwan where he took stock of various developmental activities and thoroughly deliberated on all the management practices being carried out.

He instructed the staff to expedite the spraying, fertilizer application, and other nursery operations in time while emphasizing the need to prioritize orchard sanitation and the production of high-quality planting material.

CoE Zawoora and FPN Zakura being a part of the Holistic Agriculture Development programme, the Director instructed the Chief Horticulture Officer, Srinagar/in charge CoE Zawoora to develop the designated land for the "Production of Designer Plants for Promotion of High-density Plantation.

Speaking on the occasion he highlighted the significance of utilizing land and other resources in the nurseries to their full potential and instructed the officers to take necessary measures to ensure their maximum utilization.(KNS)