Srinagar: Director Horticulture Kashmir, G.R. Mir (JKAS) Saturday toured various areas of district Kulgam. He was accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer, Kulgam, Subject Matter Specialist, Kulgam and other officers of the Department.
At the outset of the tour, Director Horticulture visited Chawalgam area of the district and inspected various apple high-density orchards established with the assistance of the Department. He interacted with the orchardists and patiently listened to their demands and assured them of all possible support. 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.He also participated in an awareness camp held in the area. The main purpose of the awareness camp was to inform the farmers about the different departmental Schemes in vogue particularly Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme.At the outset of the Programme, Director was apprised about the present scenario of Horticulture sector in the district.
In his address, Director Horticulture, elaborated in detail the various initiatives being taken by the Department for the upliftment of the fruit industry. He further elaborated in detail about the various UT and centrally sponsored schemes offered by the Department and highlighted the various components of these schemes and advised the farmers to avail the benefits under these schemes.
Later, Director visited Departmental Fruit Plant Nursery Manlok (Waripora) and Gandwani. He took stock of various nursery operations like hoeing, weeding, pruning etc.He further advised to propagate quality fruit plants, so that we are able to compete with national as well as international competitors. He also emphasized on the field functionaries to get all the private and public nurseries of the district registered with the department and accredited with National Horticulture Board (NHB).
Director concluded the tour by visiting the newly established Pesticide Testing Laboratory at Kadder and gave on spot directions to make it functional.

KR Desk