Srinagar March 08 (KNS) : Director Horticulture Kashmir G.R. Mir today kick started the plantation drive by planting a fruit plant at Directorate of Horticulture Rajbagh, Srinagar. The event was witnessed by officers and officials of the Directorate of Horticulture, Rajbagh. Addressing the gathering, the Director of Horticulture Kashmir emphasized the importance of planting trees and urged the officers and field staff to actively participate in the plantation drive. In addition to kick-starting the plantation drive, the Director of Horticulture Kashmir visited the Pesticide Testing Laboratory (PTL), Rajbagh and took stock of its functioning.
Later, the Director Horticulture Kashmir visited district Budgam, where he participated in a series of events. At the outset his visit he participated in an awareness camp at Chief Horticulture Officer’s office Budgam.
The camp was attended by Chief Horticulture Officer, Budgam, District Horticulture Officer Budgam and other officers of the department besides representatives of PRIs and a good number of farmers. On spot awareness was given about the beneficiary oriented and self-employment schemes of the Horticulture Department. Director Horticulture stressed on the field functionaries to remain in close touch with the farmers for resolution of the issues confronting them with regard to management of their orchards. He assured the farmers of providing them all possible assistance as per the norms prescribed under various departmental schemes. Later, Director Horticulture Kashmir visited village Shoolipora, Budgam where he initiated plantation drive under the departmental Scheme Area Expansion (Medium-Density). He further visited village Jawalapora, where he inspected the newly established High-Density orchard established under the scheme Revised Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme. He interacted with the orchardists and patiently listened to their demands and assured them of full possible support in all respect.
He instructed the field functionaries of the Department to provide all technical knowhow to the orchardists right from training and pruning to harvesting including thinning, fertigation, nutrient management, pest/disease management etc. with respect to the high-density orchards. (KNS)