Director Horticulture Jammu, Ram Sevak on Sunday inaugurated Soil Testing Laboratory and Mega awareness programme/ Kissan Mela, here at CHO office. More than 300 progressive orchardists/farmers attended the programme.
District Horticulture officer, Shakeel Ahmed and Manager cum Chemist Bhaderwah, Bharat Bhushan, HDOs of all the Blocks and field functionaries also attended the programme.
While speaking on the occasion, the Director Horticulture asked the participants to focus on the post harvest Management of fruit crops, especially to establis Processing units under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund PMFME CAPEX etc. which not only reduce post harvest losses but also create job opportunities for the rural youth.
He also exhorted upon farmers to bring soil samples to test its health for better and quality yield."The Lab shall also meet the soil analysis need of Ramban and Kishtwar Districts" he said and impressed upon the officers to register the farmers for Modified High Density plantation for maximum coverage under the scheme.
The Chief Horticulture officer, Rakesh Kotwal asked the orchardist to establish new fruit plant Nurseries to meet the requirements of plant Material of the District.He explained different development scheme and discussed the incentives being provided to the Orchardists for their socioeconomic uplift.
He said that the District Doda has huge potential of Horticulture which must be tapped and appealed the PRI and field functionaries to work in tandem for doubling the farmers income. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Manager cum Chemist Bhaderwah.