Horticulture dept Baramulla kick starts activities in 19 Zones

Baramulla: In view of upcoming horticulture season, the Horticulture department Baramulla has geared up and has conducted several activities meant for the overall welfare of farmers.

The Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO) Baramulla, said that the department has mobilized Horticulture Development Officers in all 19 horticulture zones who have undertaken several activities aimed at providing the necessary assistance to our farming community.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Mohammad Aijaz Asad informed that functionaries of the Horticulture department have been mobilized to help the farmers and to acquaint them with the latest and scientific know-hows. He said that welfare of farmers is our top most priority and every possible initiative shall be taken in this regard.

Enlisting the performance recorded by the department, CHO said that during the current financial year about 20 Hectares of land have been brought under Ultra High Density Apple Project and about 12325 families have been provided the different fruit plants (4 plants per family) with the financial assistance of Rs. 24.10 Lakhs (with 90 percent subsidy) and in the coming days more plants will be distributed with the same pattern under the Backyard Plantation programme.

He added that a new variety of Lemon and Peacanuts have been introduced recently in the Uri sector to meet the market requirements of North Kashmir in Coming Years.

For promoting organic farming, 20 Vermi-Compost units have been established with financial assistance of Rs.10.00 lakh, CHO informed.

He said 23 farm handling units (Pack Houses) have been established in the district under ‘Restoration of damaged horticulture Area’ with the financial assistance of Rs.46.00 Lakhs.

The CHO said that about 200 farmers have been provided training/exposure to the latest technical developments in fruit cultivation in different training programmes.