Early Times Report JAMMU, Oct 28: Anmol Rathore, IAS, today visited the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu. During her visit, she interacted with the officers of the department and took an overview of various ongoing schemes and initiatives being implemented for the welfare of farmers in the Jammu Division. The Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, Anil Gupta, briefed Rathore about the departmental activities, progress under various schemes, and the technological interventions being adopted to enhance productivity and income of farming communities. She was accompanied by Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu, Anil Gupta; Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Sanjay Anand; Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Aman Jyoti Sharma; Agriculture Chemist Vinod Kumar Sharma; Agronomist (VIS) Jammu Vikas Padha; Mushroom Development Officer (MDO) Jammu Raghubir Pal Kochar; Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Manohar Lal Sharma, besides senior officers and staff of the department. During the visit, Rathore assessed the Soil Testing Laboratory, Pesticide Testing Laboratory, and Fertilizer Testing Laboratory, where Agriculture Chemist Vinod Kumar Sharma explained in detail the functioning and ongoing activities of the laboratories. Rathore keenly observed the laboratory operations and appreciated the dedicated work being carried out for maintaining the quality of agricultural inputs provided to farmers. Later, she visited the Vegetable Improvement Scheme, where she examined the Hi-Tech Polyhouse, Glass House, Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse (NVPH), and Floriculture Nurseries. Agronomist Sh. Vikas Padha briefed her about the activities undertaken under the VIS, including seedling production, crop demonstrations, and farmer benefit programs. Rathore was apprised of how seedlings raised in the Hi-Tech Polyhouse reach farmers and contribute to enhancing productivity and profitability. She also visited the upcoming Centre of Excellence (CoE) site and went through the ongoing construction and development works. The officers briefed her about the objectives and future benefits of the Centre in promoting advanced agricultural technologies. Subsequently, Rathore visited the Pasteurizing Unit, Mushroom Controlled Cropping Unit, and Spawn Production Laboratory, where MDO Raghubir Pal Kochar apprised her of the functioning and technical aspects of mushroom cultivation and spawn production. Rathore appreciated the comprehensive efforts of the department in promoting diversified and sustainable agricultural activities across Jammu Division. |