KVK Anantnag distributes rootstock under NABARD Project

SRINAGAR: The Rootstock Distribution Ceremony under NABARD assisted Project entitled, “Mass multiplication of Clonal Rootstocks for Large Scale Distribution among Orchardists for development of High Density Apple Orchards” was held Thursday at KVK-Anantnag, SKUAST-Kashmir. During the programme around 4500 apple clonal rootstocks of different types developed under the project at KVK-Anantnag were distributed among 45 entrepreneur farmers /Project beneficiaries to be multiplied at their respective farms for taking up the rootstock multiplication as business activity in order to meet the growing demand of the planting material for High density apple orcharding.
Speaking on the occasion Prof Dil Mohammad Makdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir who was the Chief Guest on the occasion stressed on the need to develop local clonal rootstock nurseries for high density orcharding for employment generation & entrepreneurship promotion. Chief Guest apprised the house that clonal rootstock act as engine for high density plantation and told farmers to use M9; MM 106; MM 111 etc for raising the high density orchards across the valley as these are somehow resistant to various stresses. He also applauded the role of NABARD in providing different schemes for the farming community of UT in doubling the farmer’s income by providing different loans. DGM NABARD, ShriManoharLal who was the Guest of Honour presented an overview of NABARD funded Project and emphasized that there is a need to set more rootstock multiplication banks in every district in light of the growing focus on high Density Apple orcharding in Kashmir.
Dr. Manzoor A. Ganai Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK-Anantnag welcomed the Guests and presented benefits of clonal root stocks in income generation of rural youth. Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Principal Investigator presented the project high lights and spoke about the importance and impact of the project. He also advocated that it is only clonal rootstock that can change horticulture landscape of the district in general and whole Valley in particular. The ceremony was concludedby Dr. Ishtiyak Mirby presenting vote of thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.