Srinagar, Dec 24 (KNS): A mega awareness/training camp was organized at Degree College Pulwama, District Pulwama by the Department of Horticulture. This was 9th such camp organized by Department to reach out to the farmers under the banner “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

Director General Horticulture Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (JKAS) was the Chief Guest of the function. Besides Chief Horticulture Officer Pulwama the camp was attended by Principal Degree College Pulwama, ACR Pulwama, District Lead Bank Manager, Cluster Head JK Bank Pulwama, Member Kisan Advisory Board JK and representatives of Fruit Grower Association Pulwama. Furthermore, the representatives of various entrepreneurs and agencies empaneled for implementation of establishment Modified High Density Plantation Scheme also participated in the said event. The camp was attended by a large number of progressive orchardists including a good number from tribal areas of Tral, Sangerwani.

The main purpose of the training/awareness camp was to aware the farmers about the different Departmental Schemes in vogue particularly newly launched Modified High Density Plantation Scheme. 

In his address, Director General Horticulture, elaborated in detail the incentives available under the various central and UT sponsored schemes of the department viz. MIDH, PMDP, SMAM, PMKSY, CAPEX etc. He further highlighted the various components of the above these like Establishment High Density and Traditional Orchards, Establishment of Nurseries, installation of Polyhouses, Borewells, construction of Pack Houses & Vermi-Compost pits, horticultural mechanization, micro irrigation etc. and advised the farmers to avail the benefits under these schemes.

DG also added that a Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) is being established in the district and assured that it will be functional in a couple of months.

Speaking on the menace of growing narcotics crops in various parts of the District, DG assured that the Department will devise a more profitable crop substitution programme and will also provide farmers with material and technical assistance for growing horticulture crops.

Regarding the modified High-Density Plantation Scheme, He encouraged the farmers of the area particularly marginal and small farmers to come forward and take the advantage of newly launched Scheme. He further added that shifting to High Density Plantation is the only way forward to increase the production and productivity and to compete with the international market. He further added that there is a big scope and potential of high-density plantation in the district and apart from apple other fruit crops like walnut, almond, cherry, pear etc. will be provided under the said scheme.

At the end Director General thanked all the participants and said more such camps will be held in the area. Director General then distributed authorizations among the farmers for horticultural machinery like tractors, weeder, Motor Power Sprayer, Irrigation Pumps etc. He also distributed some authorization for the establishment High Density Orchards under the newly launched Modified High Density Plantation Scheme. (KNS)