The Department of Horticulture Wednesday held an awareness-cum-Kissan Mela to create awareness among local orchardists about the use of new technologies for improving produce and monetary support in terms of subsidies under various government schemes.The camp was presided over by Chief Horticulture Officer Manzoor Ahmad Bhat. On the occasion, Bhat stressed on clean cultivation, canopy management and other good horticulture practices. Officials informed the fruit growers about several schemes in operation for the upliftment of Horticulture sector.Orchardists from Horticulture Zone Bandipora and Aloosa participated in the Mela and interacted with the officials about the provisions of various schemes.Officials urged the orchardists to use the latest scientific technique to have more production. During the camp, the department had put various agricultural tools on sale at subsidized rates.During the Mela, several authorized fruit growers purchased 56 motor power sprayers, 5 power weeders, 6 irrigation pump sets and 5 brush cutters for the management of their orchards so as to produce quality fruit and crops for better returns amid competition in the terminal markets.Bhat said the department has instantly processed an amount of Rs 10 lakh for the release of subsidy amount through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.He said an amount of Rs 80.00 lakhs have been earmarked as assistance for distribution among fruit growers on the purchase of machinery and equipment in Bandipora district during the current financial year.