Several steps have been taken to develop horticulture sector on modern lines across Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture (CITH) has adopted latest technology and undertaken research work to get the best varieties of horticulture products including apple, walnut, saffron, pear, plum, cherry, peach, apricot, almond and other products.Director Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture Dr Desbeer Singh told news agency CNS that the Horticulture department has established multiple plant nurseries which provide high yielding variety fruit plants to orchadists. He said that in wake of the extensive research work done by the Scientists, the CITH have developed different varieties of plants that yield produce within a short span of time.“We have been continuously carrying out research on temperate horticulture crops to boost the productivity of quality produce. Orchadists get latest varieties of high yielding fruit plants like apple, walnut, pear and apricot on subsidy, besides, barbed wire for fencing of orchards. Our basic motive is to enhance the horticulture production and from past few years this sector has been witnessing unstoppable boom,” Singh said.
He said that his departments resolve is to make the state self-sufficient in fruit production. “Our focus is on increasing production of crops in general and commercial production. We are in touch with farmers and are persuading them to create wulnut farms on the pattern of apple orchards. We have created wulnut plants that yield produce in two to three years. If walnut farms are created, they could be exported to different countries like Middle East, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, U.A.E and Asian countries in large numbers,” he said and added that at least five varieties of walnut products are registered in New Delhi.Dashbeer Singh said that a shift towards intensive systems is a necessary part of growth for the industry. ‘The future does look promising for traditional horticulture, but there does need to be resources to support them.He said that high density plantation of apple have started replacing traditional orcharding and under which new varieties of high yielding apples like Oregon, Spur, Red Chief, Well Spur, Super Chief, and Silver Chief have started showing the desired results. (CNS)