Director Horticulture Kashmir visits Shopian, distributes fruit trees saplings

5 Dariya News

Shopian 07-Mar-2020

Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, launched Backyard Horticulture Programme in District Shopian for distribution of 12000 saplings of fruit trees of apricot, plum and  cherry among 3000 households on 90% subsidy in a function organized by the Horticulture Department, Shopian.Chief Horticulture officer Shopian, District Level Subject Matter  Specialist and Zonal Level officers and other officials, besides large number of farmers were present on the occasion.Director Horticulture stressed on the importance of Backyard  Horticulture programme to improve the socio economic condition of small land holders.  Director Horticulture described   District Shopian as a backbone of Kashmir economy due  to its quality horticulture production.The Director Horticulture emphasized that nurseries should be developed on modern scientific lines so that people can be benefited by the  availability of quality plant material. He also advised the orchardists to avail benefits from Departmental nurseries as well as from private nurseries registered by the Department  as these nurseries are playing a vital role in development of horticulture. Director Horticulture said that people must remain in touch with Horticulture experts for expert advice  including spray schedule, fertilizers, irrigation, pruning and other purposes.Later he visited ACHD Zainapora, Horticulture nursery Zainapora, where he  directed field staff to work  hard for development of horticulture sector by producing world class apple brands and stone fruits and also reviewed  the functioning of ACHD Zainapora farm. He also inspected  the civil works and uprooting of clonal root stock and land preparation for 2.40 Lac new root stock to be imported from Netherlands. At ACHD Zainapora around 3.50 Lac clonal  root stock has been produced.