Farmers awareness camp organised at Teetwal

Kupwara: On the instructions of District Development Commissioner (DDC), Kupwara, Agriculture Department today organized a farmers awareness cum training camp at border area Teetwal, near Actual Line of Control.

The camp was presided over by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Kupwara, Nazir Ahmad.

Speaking at the occasion, the CAO said that the aim and objective of holding such camps was to bring a change to replace ‘Banihally’ a traditional variety of Rice by High Yielding Variety SR-Series, already tested by SKUAST scientist.

He said that the PRIs of Teetwal and Dregged were involved to launch a campaign under a team of Officers, including Agriculture Extension Assistant and Farm Manager for change in mindset of farmers and added that the variety replacement can be a game changer in adoption of Paddy SR-4 in their fields.

The CAO said that ‘Banihally’ variety is a low yielding variety with a potential of 1.20 quintal, per hectare against a variety with 4 quintal, per hectare.

He said the technocrats of the department have been directed to work and remain in touch at ground level, till Mission ‘Traditional variety replacement by HYV’ is completed. The farmers have been advised to replace direct seeding of paddy in nurseries by Pre-Soaking nursery Sowing methods to avoid weed menace and bird damage.

The CAO directed The Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) Tangdar to conduct similar training cum awareness camp in the area, wherein free paddy and Maize seed demand of local populace could be accommodated.

Among others, the members of Panchayat Raj Institutions, Officers of Agriculture Department and farmers attended the camp.