Horticulture Department Doda organized District level Fruit show cum Kissan mela at Chinta Bhadewah under the scheme MIDH. The community came together to celebrate their love for farming. The event was attended by many farmers, community leaders, and activists.
District Development Council Chairman Doda, Dhananter Kotwal, was the Chief Guest, and other esteemed guests included Vice Chairperson District Development Council, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Director Horticulture Jammu, Ram Sevak and Chief Horticulture Officer.
During the event, Chairman Dhananter Kotwal encouraged participants to take advantage of different subsidy programs to improve their economic well-being.The Vice Chairperson emphasized the Department's efforts in empowering women through awareness programs.
The Director Horticulture Jammu stressed the need for High Density plantation, better irrigation sources, and farm machinery banks to empower women further. Certificates were awarded to trainees, and prizes were given to the best fruit exhibits.
Director Horticulture Jammu, Ram Savak emphasized for establishment of High Density Plantation Mother Blocks, irrigation sources viz: Drip irrigation system, custom hiring centres, farm machinery Banks, processing units for women empowerment etc.
He also distributed certificates to the trainees for completing one month course in the Art of Fruit and vegetables preservation and awards to winners of fruit exhibits.The Chief Horticulture officer, in his address,asked the participants to bring more area under High Density plantation of Fruit plants in the coming season especially Apple, Walnut, Apricot, Pear, Plum and Lime for which the land and climate is most suitable for cultivation.
The department is providing 50% to 80% subsidy to the interested and eligible applicants under all schemes viz HADP (Mother Block, Nursery Development), Area expansion, Irrigation facilities, Mechanization, Nursery establishment etc under implementation in the District.
The event also featured a presentation on fruit preservation and food processing techniques, highlighting the importance of post-harvest practices. Orchardists were encouraged to adopt techniques like walnut drying and hulling/peeling, with the Department offering significant subsidies for these processes. The DHO expressed gratitude to all participants, and the event received praise from the community, with a call for more such programs in the future.