The work on Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming took off today with groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Poojan) here at Vegetable Improvement Scheme -Krishi Bhawan Directorate of Agriculture Talab Tillo.
The ceremony was performed by Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen. The Centre of Excellence is being established under the NABARD, RIDF-XXX scheme, with an investment of Rs. 5.92 Crore.
It would feature a state-of-the-art polycarbonate greenhouse spanning 3511 square meters. The construction work is being executed by JK Agro and is expected to be completed within the next six months.
This Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in boosting the region’s agricultural capabilities by providing high-quality, high-yielding vegetable and floriculture seedlings to farmers across the Jammu Division.
Through this initiative, farmers will gain access to advanced farming techniques, which will significantly enhance productivity and improve the quality of crops, thus benefiting the local farming community.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Agriculture Jammu emphasized that the facility will provide farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in precision farming. “The Centre will also encourage entrepreneurship in the vegetable and floriculture sectors, helping farmers embrace modern farming practices and access sustainable agricultural solutions,” he added.
The project is in line with the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the agricultural sector and ensure economic growth for farmers by integrating innovation, technology, and sustainable practices. This Centre will serve as a hub for training, research, and development, offering expertise and resources to farmers in Jammu Division.
The Bhoomi Poojan ceremony was attended by Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Satish Sharma, Deputy Director (Central) Jammu Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu Vikas Padha, Divisional Manager (P&S Jammu) Er. A.H Salaria, Divisional Soil Survey Officer Suresh Kumar Khajuria, Potato Development Raj Singh Sumbria, Assistant Entomologist Rajesh Verma, Assistant Agrostologist Amit Sharma, SMS-RL Dharmesh Vaid, other officers and staff from the agriculture department, as well as representatives from JK Agro and other concerned authorities.