 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 18: During the Programme, the Director Horticulture, Jammu interacted with the fruit growers/Potential orchardists of District Kathua. The programme aimed to chalk out the strategy for the coming Rainy season for Establishment of new orchards of Exotic as well as market driven fruit crops viz Dragon, Avocado, Kiwi, Grapes, Mango, Litchi and Citrus crops. The farmers put forth the various issues/demands related to machinery, Water Harvesting Structures, Establishment of Nurseries etc.
Sh. Ashwani Sharma, Chief Horticulture Officer Kathua formally welcomed the Sh. Chaman Lal Sharma Director Horticulture, Jammu and all the fruit growers/orchardists of the District. Pest management was addressed by District Officer, Sh. Bharat Bhushan and schemes/subsidies explained by Sh. Varinder Sharma (District Officer). Horticulture Development Officers and other officials of the Department also attended the programme,
The camp was attended by more than 150 nos. of farmers. Farmers raised issued regarding marketing and insurance. Ex-sarpanches Sh. Bholi Singh Jasrotia, Sh. Parshotam Singh, Sh. Bui Lal (Dragon Orchardist), an Innovative farmer Sh. Vikrant Sharma and Smt. Meena Kumari from Self-Help Group, Hiranagar also spoke on the occasion.
Further, the Director Horticulture, Jammu inaugurates the Processing Hall in the complex of Manager cum Chemist, Extension Centre for Fruit and Vegetables Preservation, Kathua. He then had an interaction with the women trainees during the "One day Training Camp on Fruit/Vegetable Preservation". He asked them to get trained in the art of fruit & vegetables preservation and the department will assist them in setting up of Micro Food Processing units for the value addition of fruit and vegetable products which will provide them employment opportunities. Director Horticulture, Jammu encouraged the fruit growers. He focused on setting of Processing units, Formation of Self-Help Groups, Establishment of Grading and packaging units, provision for Solar fencing to check wild animal and Deep bore well to meet the requirements of Kandi farmers has been addressed.
Later, the Director Horticulture, Jammu chaired a meeting of the District Officers, Horticulture Development Officers, officials & field functionaries of District Kathua. He instructed the officers to organize Awareness Camps, Kissan Goshtis, etc. to ensure better implementation of departmental schemes especially HADP for the ultimate benefit of the fruit growers.
Earlier, Chief Horticulture Officer Kathua, Sh. Ashwani Sharma briefed the chair about the ongoing works and achievements made under different schemes being implemented in the district.
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