Reasi: Agriculture Deptt hosts farmers’ awareness prog to mark World Soil Day

Reasi: Agriculture Department in coordination with ATMA today hosted a farmers’ awareness program here to mark World Soil Day.

The Program was held as a part of Kissan Ghosti under ATMA Scheme and was attended by about 50 farmers including PRI Members.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Reasi Ravinder Thaploo inaugurated the Program.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Ravinder Thaploo emphasized on mandatory use of soil testing by farmers in order to protect and preserve the nutrients as well as useful micro organisms in the soil.

Earlier, Rakesh Kr Sharma started the proceedings by giving a brief account of the purpose and background of celebrating 5th December as Soil Health day.

Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer, Guldev Raj, gave a detailed account of different activities being under taken by Department of Agriculture Reasi including programs for improving the production and productivity of different crops. Apart, he said the cultivation of Lemon Grass and support for marketing its byproducts is being promoted to ease the problems of farmers affected by monkey menace.

District Agriculture Officer (Extn) Rajesh Verma briefed the gathering of farmers about the ways to improve soil health, purpose of soil testing and regular updating of Soil Health Cards to ensure optimum nutrient management.

AEA, Kumar Gaurav, briefed the farmers on cultivation of mushroom as a part of doubling the income of farmers by 2022.

DPD ATMA District Reasi, Ramesh Kumar Khosa, presented vote of thanks.

Other officers/ officials who participated included Ravinder Tripathi, DAO, Reasi, members of NGO Mahila Sashaktikaran, AEAs and ATMs from ATMA scheme.