Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today visited Junglenar Mulberry Nursery in district Pulwama and took stock of the activities carried out by the unit.Legislators, Mr. Mohammad Khalil Bandh and Mir Zahoor Ahmad who accompanied the Minister briefed him about the problems and difficulties being faced by the farmers of the area.The Minister was informed that there are 13 Mulberry Nurseries spread over 890 kanals of land in district Pulwama producing 80,000 plants per year.He was informed that Junglenar Mulberry Nursery is spread over 64 kanals, producing 8000 to 10000 plants per year.The Minister was further informed that there are 1200 farmers in Pulwama district rearing cocoons, where 50,000 kgs of cocoons are produced generating income of Rs 80 to Rs 90 lakhs. The Mulberry plants are given to the farmers free of cost and the farmers also benefit from the Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Hanjura also visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Malangpora and inspected the integrated agriculture activities carried out there.The Minister was apprised that varieties of apple such as Akbar and Lal Ambri are grown here. Besides composite varieties of Maize Kashmiri Red Chilli is also grown at the KVK. Almonds with lily blossom are grown here, besides apiculture (beekeeping) is taken on research basis for pollination as well.Fish rearing is also undertaken for research. In KVK there is also Basic Agriculture Training (BAT) School where one year training is given to the agriculture and horticulture officials. It also imparts training to farmers on latest technology, the Minister was apprised.Director Sericulture Dr Malik Farooq, Director Agriculture Kashmir and other senior officers of agriculture and sericulture departments also accompanied the Minister.