In continuation of 35 days skill development training programme on fruit crops, Reasi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-J) and Department of Horticulture, Reasi imparted training on “Production technologies in sub-tropical fruit crops” to young aspiring entrepreneurs and farmers here today at Govt. Fruit Plants Nursery, Pouni. The event was held as part of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).Around 22 farmers from different areas of Reasi district participated in the programme. The programme was organized under the guidance of Associate Director Extension and Incharge of KVKs of SKUAST-J, Dr.R.K.Arora and Director Horticulture, Jammu Anuradha Gupta. The programme was co-ordinated by Chief Horticulture Officer, Reasi, Sh. Vishnukant Gupta. Dr.Banarsi Lal, Scientist& Head of KVK, Reasi welcomed the farmers and highlighted the benefits of producing sub-tropical fruits like mango, litchi, aonla, ber, orange, lemon etc. He said the production of these fruits is very low in the region despite there being immense potential of sub-tropical fruit crops. He informed the farmers that by applying new scientific technologies they can increase their fruit crops production.He advised the farmers to use the improved/hybrid varieties to increase the fruit crops production.
The scientist elaborated the production technologies of sub-tropical fruits and explained the sub-tropical fruit diseases and their remedial measures. He also suggested certain control measures for insects-pests in sub-tropical fruits. He further added that the farmers should divert themselves from subsistence horticulture farming to commercial horticulture farming so that their socio-economic status can be raised. He also talked in length on high density orchards. He stressed on the organic horticulture and said that farmers can generate extra income by growing the organic horticultural crops. He also guided the farmers for the use of organic inputs for the organic horticulture. He guided the farmers on proper layout of orchards and emphasized specifically on training and pruning of fruit crops. He suggested the farmers that canopy management is promptly needed in fruit crops. He demonstrated propagation techniques in sub-tropical fruits. He also explained the technologies for value addition in fruit crops. He explained the certain centrally and state centered government schemes/programmes ongoing in the state specifically for the farmers. He also demonstrated the grafting techniques to the participants.Farmers also visited the sub-tropical fruit orchard and raised quarries which were answered satisfactorily by KVK scientist. The programme was assisted by Manohar Lal, Chamel Singh and Chetan Sharma.