Secretary Horticulture, M.H. Malik today visited the Maralia nursery at Miran Sahib to take stock of the production capacity of quality planting material in the nursery. He also reviewed the developmental works viz. irrigation/drainage channels and paths been executed under MGNREGA convergence programme.Director Horticulture, Jammu A.K. Sharma apprised the Secretary that the nursery is being upgraded as Model Nursery with all latest technology for open and protected conditions to multiply high density planting material.The Secretary directed that all available unbudded root stocks should be attempted for producing high quality planting material. He further directed to disseminate low cost technologies like installation of light traps in orchards to protect the fruits against pest and diseases. He was shown mother blocks of high density Mango and virus free Kinnow, which have been raised by the department to meet up the demand of bud wood.
The Secretary also inaugurated the Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory procured by the Department for soil testing purpose under NMSA scheme. He directed to immediately issue calendar for testing of soil samples of orchards in different Horticulture zones. He asked the Director Horticulture to take up the issue regarding completion of Malli’s Hut in the nursery with the executing agency. The Chief Horticulture Officer, Jammu, Y.K. Kesar and his team of District Level Subject Matter Specialists, other officers and officials, were also present on the occasion.