A one day Workshop on “Promotion of Basmati Rice for Export” was today organized by Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu in collaboration with Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) here in Baba Jitto Kisan Ghar, Talab Tillo.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, Dr. K.K. Sharma said that GI tagged Jammu Basmati is world famous for its aroma and has special liking throughout the world. This programme is primarily conducted to educate both the growers and the traders for effective cultivation and trading for Export class Basmati.
Dr. Ritesh Sharma, Principal Scientist, Basmati Export development Foundation (BEDF) detailed the good practices to be followed for the cultivation of Export Class basmati.Guest Faculty from SKUAST Jammu, Co-ordinator and Professor, department of Bio-Technology, Dr. Romesh Kumar Salgotra made the participants aware about the cultivation practices of improved varieties of Basmati.
DGM, Sarveshwar Organic Foods Ltd, Dr. Gayatri Tandon stressed for minimum and timely use of pesticides by observing post harvest intervals to avoid rejection in the international market.Kisan Board members viz. Kulbushan Khajuria and Tejinder Singh projected different challenges being faced by farmers which were addressed by the experts invited.
A large number of growers and traders including FPOs also participated. MD Agro Industries, Arun Manhas was present as special guest along with Joint Director (Inputs) Jammu Dr. A.S Reen.
The welcome address and honour of the Dignitaries was initiated by Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Jammu, Dr. R.K Hitaishi who elaborated the relevance of the programme.The programme culminated with the vote of thanks by Programme Officer, Dr. Rajeev Katoch who also carried out the proceedings of the Workshop.