Srinagar, Dec 12: Director General Horticulture, Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat Sunday said the shifting to high density plantation is the only way forward to increase the production and productivity and to compete with the international market.
He made these remarks during an awareness cum training camp at Town Hall Charisharief, District Budgam .
Block Development Council (BDC) Chairperson Nagam, Pakerpora, Charishrief, DDC member Pakerpora, Nagam, Municipal Council Chairperson Charishrief along with PRIs attended the camp.
President Fruit Grower Association, Bashir Ahmad Bashir and Adil Chowdhary Representative tribal population and progressive orchardists also participated in the camp.
The main purpose of the training/awareness camp was to aware the farmers about the different departmental Schemes in vogue, particularly newly launched Modified High Density Plantation Scheme.
At the outset of function Chief Horticulture Officer Budgam, Javiad Ahmad Bhat, welcomed the Director General and other participants to the camp. He highlighted the present scenario of the Horticulture sector in the district and appraised participants about various developmental schemes including Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Director General Horticulture, elaborated in detail about the incentives available under the various central and UT sponsored schemes of the department viz. MIDH, PMDP, SMAM, PMKSY and CAPEX besides urged the farmers to come forward and avail the benefits under these schemes. He also assured that special focus will be given on creating irrigation facilities as the demand for the same was put forward by public representatives.
Regarding the modified High-Density Plantation Scheme, he encouraged the farmers of the area, particularly marginal and small farmers, to come forward and take advantage of the newly launched Scheme. He also gave on spot instructions to the Chief Horticulture Officer to give vide publicity to all schemes particularly the Modified High-Density Scheme by holding awareness camp at village and block levels.
At the end DG thanked all the participants and said more such camps will be held in the area. The Director General then distributed Packing Shed/machinery authorizations among the farmers. DG also issued authorization for setting up of the Walnut De-Hulling Unit. School Uniform, books and other stationery items were also distributed by DG Horticulture among the students belonging to the economically weaker section of the society.