‘Farmers in Kashmir have gone hi-tech, using precision farming methods to boost the production of vegetables, and poly houses to facilitate early sapling production leading to a surge in the sale of vegetables.These views were expressed by Director Agriculture Kashmir, AltafAijaz Andrabi during a meeting convened to review progress achieved under Capex and centrally sponsored schemes. The meeting also reviewed progress recorded under formation of farmers produce organizations (FPO) and implementation of Kissan Credit Card scheme.Andrabi asked Deputy Director, Farmers Training and Education Center (FTEC) to conduct district wise training programs for agriculture officers regarding mushroom cultivation, so that their knowledge will benefit the farming community of the valley.While deliberating on various issues, Director Agriculture impressed upon the officers to gear up the process of installation of Hi-tech green houses with alternate modes of power to keep them running 24hrs a day. He further stressed them to visit the fields and advise farmers with regard to different preventive measures and modification in the agriculture practices.
While reviewing vegetable growing sector, the director emphasized on introduction of exotic and organic vegetable production in the valley. He instructed Chief Agriculture Officers to provide all assistance to the vegetable growers of valley to export their produce to the local as well as national markets.Regarding Farm Produce Organizations, he emphasized that Farm Produce Organizations (FPOs) in all district must be framed to facilitate the better production and smooth marketing of agriculture products.The Director Agriculture also asked for immediate up-gradation of Padgampora farm.In-charges of Quality Control Laboratory, Seed Pathology, Soil Testing Lab, Seed Testing Laboratory were directed to make labs relevant and effective.The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhary, Joint Director Agriculture Inputs, Deepak Kumar Kuchroo, Chief Agriculture Officers and other concerned officers of the department.