Mega Horticulture Awareness Programme held at Aglar Fruit Mandi Shopian

SHOPIAN : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb and Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat today inaugurated a Mega Horticulture Awareness camp at Aglar Fruit Mandi Shopian, aimed at empowering local farmers with insights into the latest horticultural practices and interventions.

The Deputy Commissioner was the Chief Guest and Director Horticulture, the Guest of Honour on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized on use of latest technology in all productive sectors like agriculture and horticulture to increase productivity for better income to the farming community.

In his address, Director Horticulture, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, underscored the department’s vision and ongoing initiatives. He emphasized the pivotal role of horticulture in propelling the region’s overall development, highlighting the potential for growth and sustainability within the sector.

While Speaking on the occasion, Chief Horticulture Officer, Shopian, Mohammad Ramzan War gave brief description of the horticulture sector.

The event witnessed active participation from key stakeholders, including CHO, CAO, CAHO, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, President Pesticides Association, officers and officials from the departments and farmers in huge number.

More than 200 farmers, predominantly engaged in fruit cultivation, were present at the camp, highlighting the importance of the occasion. The primary focus of the programme was to disseminate crucial information about various Union Territory and centrally sponsored schemes.

Prominent among them were the HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme), High-Density Plantation Scheme, and MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture).

A technical guidance was given by experts from the department, aimed to equip farmers with the knowledge necessary to enhance their horticultural practices.

The event served as a dynamic platform for stakeholders to engage directly with the department, fostering a collaborative environment for the mutual benefit of the horticulture community.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner Shopian and Director Horticulture Kashmir inspected the stalls showcasing the benefits of various schemes of different departments.

On the occasion, authority letters were also distributed among the farmers for purchasing horticulture equipments and were urged to avail benefits from the schemes launched by the Government.

The farmers interacted with experts from department of horticulture who guided them regarding adoption of latest technologies and interventions to maximize yield and returns.

A grievance and redressal session at the end allowed participants to address concerns and seek solutions.