Zahoor Ahmad Bhat reviews progress of HADP initiatives, high-density orchards, plans lift system for irrigation, affirms commitment to meeting 50-hectare plantation target

PAMPORE: Director of Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, conducted a visit to the Horticulture fruit nursery in Galander Pampore and Newa area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday to evaluate the situation, with a particular focus on rootstock banks and mother orchards established under HADP, as well as the development of high-density orchards by various empanelled agencies, officials informed Kashmir Reader.
During his inspection of the fruit nursery in Galander Pampore, Director Zahoor Ahmad Bhat reviewed the ongoing development works by the horticulture department under HADP for pear and stone fruits. Accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Pulwama, Javaid Ahmad, Subject Matter Specialist Mohammad Shafi Dar, Horticulture Development Officer Pampore, Dr. Sumina, and field staff, the director observed and inspected the developmental activities at the fruit nursery Pampore. He provided guidance on irrigation techniques and suggested converting the old, senile orchard into a HADP at the fruit nursery in Pampore.
In a conversation with Kashmir Reader, Director Horticulture Kashmir Zahoor Ahmad Bhat stated that the Pampore fruit nursery spans over 50 kanals of land and primarily consists of pear trees. One of the main challenges faced by the nursery is related to irrigation. “We are here to assess what measures can be taken to address this issue, especially considering its proximity to the river Jhelum,” he remarked.
“I have instructed the Chief Horticulturist to devise a plan to install a lift system to draw water from the river Jhelum to the nursery. Additionally, we have a borewell available, but the water output is insufficient,” he added.
Bhat elaborated on further plans, stating, “Our next step involves developing a portion of 10-20 kanals into a high-density pear orchard by importing suitable plants. This orchard will serve as a source of graftwood and budwood. Eventually, we will maintain a supply of pear graft sticks from this nursery.”
The Director also mentioned their visit to Newa Pulwama to observe the progress of high-density orchards. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing plantation work at 60 spots in the area.
“We also visited some spots to gather information firsthand because there were complaints from locals about the lack of plantation activity. However, due to adverse weather conditions in the past 2-3 days, plantation work couldn’t commence. As the weather has improved now, the company responsible for the plantation has started the process. In my opinion, they have ordered supplies and hired workers, and I believe that within 10-15 days, the plantation targets for this area will be met,” he explained.
Bhat affirmed their commitment to completing the plantation targets in the Pulwama district, which amounts to about 50 hectares.

BILAL HABIB