 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 4: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, in collaboration with the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF), organized a one-day workshop titled “Promotion of Basmati Rice for Export.” The event took place at Baba Jitto Kisan Ghar, Talab Tillo, Jammu.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. K.K. Sharma, Director of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, highlighted the global renown of GI-tagged Jammu Basmati rice for its distinctive aroma and widespread popularity. The primary objective of this program is to raise awareness among both growers and traders regarding effective cultivation and trading practices for Export-class Basmati rice.
Dr. Ritesh Sharma, Principal Scientist at BEDF, elaborated on the best practices to be followed for cultivating Export-Class Basmati rice. The participants were provided with valuable insights into the cultivation practices of improved Basmati varieties by Dr. Romesh Kumar Salgotra, Guest Faculty from SKUAST Jammu and Coordinator and Professor in the Department of Bio-Technology.
Dr. Gayatri Tandon, DGM at Sarveshwar Organic Foods Ltd, emphasized the importance of minimal and timely pesticide usage while observing post-harvest intervals to avoid rejection in the international market.
During the workshop, members of the Kisan Board, including Kulbushan Khajuria and Tejinder Singh, raised various challenges faced by growers and traders, which were addressed by the invited experts.
The workshop saw a substantial turnout, with the participation of numerous growers, traders, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Mr. Arun Manhas, MD of Agro Industries, also attended the event, along with Dr. A.S. Reen, Joint Director (Inputs) Jammu.
The program commenced with a warm welcome and honoring of the dignitaries by Dr. R.K. Hitaishi, Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension) Jammu, who emphasized the program’s significance.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Programme Officer, Dr. Rajeev Katoch, who also conducted the proceedings of the event.
This workshop is expected to contribute to the promotion and successful export of high-quality Basmati rice from the Jammu region. |
