Srinagar: To preserve the biodiversity and ecological balance in the region the organic cultivation of vegetables and other crops would play a key role in this direction, these views were expressed by Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal during his visit to the high potential vegetable clusters of Maloora, Tengpora, Sangam of zone Qamarwari Sub Division Srinagar.
During the visit while having interactions with the farmers Director Agriculture highlighted the importance of organic farming. He said this is an eco friendly form of farming and is economically sustainable. By this type of farming we can preserve our land resources for our generations to come, he said and added. Mr. Chowdhary asked the concerned officers to prepare a DPR for the commercialization of Nadru (Lotus stem) in Sangam cluster. He also instructed to install few hi-tech poly houses in Maloora vegetable cluster.
The Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer Srinagar Javeed Iqbal who along with other officers received the Director on their arrival informed the Director about the progress on the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes and flagship programs. He highlighted the achievements viz a viz organic vegetable cluster Tengpora, introduction of micro irrigation under the concept of more crop per drop etc.
Director Agriculture appreciated the concerned officers /officials for their efforts and said the Department is looking forward to it.
Later on a meeting chaired by Director Agriculture was held in the concerned office wherein Agriculture Extension Officer Qamarwari Dr Fayaz Ahmad Ellahi gave a power point presentation regarding the different interventions and farmer friendly steps carried out by the Department in the concerned vegetable clusters. Dr. Ellahi said, amid covid pandemic and lockdown the field staff following covid SOPs reach out to the farmers to their door steps and informed them about different programs and schemes run by the Department. The field functionaries visit farmers fields, guide them of different agriculture interventions and let them how know to carry on their regular agriculture activities during these covid times, he said and added.
The Director was accompanied by Joint Director Agriculture Extension Mohammad Qasim Gani, Deputy Director Law Enforcement Kashmir Mohammad Younis Chowdhary and other senior officers of the Department.

KR Desk