Srinagar January 12:(KNS) The Department of Horticulture Kashmir on Wednesday organized a mega training cum awareness camp at Pulwama and also distributes variety of fruit plants in Karnah valley to farmers.
According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) a mega camp was organized by the Department of Horticulture at Pulwama under the banner “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. Director General Horticulture Kashmir Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (JKAS) was the Chief Guest of the function.
In his address, Director General Horticulture, elaborated in detail about the various central and UT sponsored schemes offered by the Department and highlighted the various components of these schemes and advised the farmers to avail the benefits under these schemes. He further informed that Department is offering assistance on establishment of, grading/packaging lines, mini CA Stores, low-cost processing units walnut de-hulling units etc. and advised the farmers to take the benefits under these initiatives. He further informed that to cater the growing demand for HD exotic plants in the valley UT Govt. has launched the ‘High-Density Plantation Nurseries Scheme’ and advised farmers to establish nurseries under the said scheme for which the department will provide technical and financial help.
Regarding the modified High-Density Plantation Scheme, He said a targeted area of 5500 hectares will be covered in the UT and encouraged the farmers of the area particularly marginal and small farmers to come forward and take the advantage of the Scheme. He further elaborated that besides Apple other fruit crops like Cherry, Pear, Plum, Walnut Almond etc. can be planted and a minimum 01 and maximum of 20 kanals of land will be covered per beneficiary.
Besides Chief Horticulture Officer, Pulwama the camp was attended District Lead Bank Manager, representatives of line departments and different banks, and members of PRIs while following COVID SOPs.
Furthermore, on the instruction of DG Horticulture a similar function was held at Dak Bungalow Tangdhar district Kupwara which attended by Block Development Chairperson Tangdhar, DDC member Karnah Advocate Najma Hameed, SDM Karnah Mr. Gulzar Ahmad, and a good number of farmers. During the camp the participants were appraised about the different schemes of the department. At the end of the function fruit plants like Lemon, Orange, Fig, Pomegranate, walnut etc. were distributed among the tribal and other farmers of the Karnah valley.(KNS)