Pulwama, 20 May (KNS): Director Horticulture Kashmir, today conducted an extensive tour of the district Pulwama along with Chief Horticulture Officer, Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs) of the district and visits Departmental Farms/Nurseries and also conducted a detailed tour of various fruit growing areas of the district.

During the visit to the departmental Farms/Nurseries, Director impressed upon the staff to work with Zeal & Zest so as to achieve the goal of providing quality planting material to the farmers, besides following all the SOPs of COVID-19.

Director also directed the Chief Horticulture Officer to provide the protective gears like PPEs, sanitizers, masks, gloves etc. to the employees.
 During the tour, the Director along with Insecticide Inspectors of the Department inspected various pesticide outlets of the district and issued necessary instructions on spot.

During the interaction, the farmers/orchardists of the area showed their gratitude to the Government of India for raising the subsidy on DAP fertilizer up to 140%.

Moreover, the Director, Horticulture directed the field staff of the department to frequently visit the orchards and provide technical know-how to the orchardists.

During the visit Farmers/orchardists were advised by the Director to contact their respective Chief Horticulture officer/HDOs for any assistance. Furthermore, for the convenience of the farming community, a helpline number has been established in the Directorate i.e. 0194-2311484.

Later Director visited the family of the deceased employee and paid condolences to the bereaved family.(KNS)