Srinagar February 10:(KNS) Director General Horticulture Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (JKAS) today visited District Ganderbal and inspected various Departmental nurseries and orchards namely Tehsil Bagh, Kralbagh, Five Orchards Repora. During his visit Director General inspected various developmental activities/works being carried out in these nurseries. He thoroughly deliberated on all the management practices being carried out. He also acknowledged and appreciated the nursery staff for the work being done in these crops.

DG while deliberating on all-round economic and technological advancement of the Horticulture Industry stressed on the need for diversification and zonalization of fruit cultivation in the valley. In this regard he gave on spot instructions to demarcate different nurseries for raising/propagation of different fruit crops like Grapes, Strawberry, Apple etc. Speaking on the importance of Nursery Development, He added that the main objectives of the Horticulture Department are to expand area under orchards, encourage diversification and zonalization of fruit plantation, production, and supply of genetically improved plants through departmental and private nurseries, improve productivity and quality through introduction of advanced technologies and ensure availability of plant protection machinery and equipment to the orchardists on subsidized cost for better pest and disease management In the end, DG advised them to graft/propagate maximum number of fruit plants besides maintaining the quality parameters.(KNS)