DH NEWS SERVICE
Jammu, May 7
Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Syed, on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of Horticulture Zones Dansal, Nagrota and Bajalta to review the implementation of various horticulture schemes and assess developmental activities being carried out in the sector. The visit was aimed at strengthening outreach among farmers and ensuring effective execution of government initiatives for the growth of horticulture in the region. The Director was accompanied by Assistant Director Horticulture Sunil Gupta and local Horticulture Development Officer Sushma Devi. During the visit, the officers inspected various horticulture units, plantations and beneficiary projects established under different departmental schemes.
While interacting with field officers and farmers, Gul Syed stressed the need for effective implementation and wider promotion of horticulture schemes among the farming community. He directed officials to ensure that the benefits of government programmes reach the maximum number of eligible farmers in a transparent and timely manner. The Director also reviewed the progress achieved under ongoing schemes and cross-checked the status of works at the ground level.
Special attention was given to the identification of additional areas suitable for new rainy season plantations. The Director emphasized that expansion of plantation activities would help increase horticulture production and provide additional income opportunities to farmers. He instructed the concerned officers to identify more potential sites and motivate farmers to participate actively in departmental programmes.
Detailed discussions were also held regarding the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, Agricultural Technology Management Agency, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and other Union Territory level horticulture initiatives. The Director stressed the importance of creating greater awareness among farmers regarding the benefits available under these schemes. Officers were directed to conduct awareness camps and outreach activities regularly so that more farmers can avail themselves of financial assistance, technical support and training opportunities.
The Director further reviewed activities related to processing and value addition of horticulture products. He highlighted the importance of post-harvest management and encouraged the promotion of entrepreneurship among farmers, especially in areas related to packaging, processing and marketing of horticulture produce. He said that value-added products can significantly improve the income of farmers and strengthen the horticulture economy of the region.
Later, Gul Syed interacted with beneficiaries cultivating Dragon Fruit and appreciated their efforts in adopting innovative and high-value horticulture crops. He described the cultivation of such crops as an encouraging step towards diversification and modernization of the horticulture sector. Farmers were informed about various awareness camps, technical guidance programmes and training sessions being organised by the department for capacity building and overall development of horticulture activities.
The Director assured farmers that the department remains committed to providing all necessary support for strengthening the horticulture sector and improving the livelihood of farming communities across Jammu division.
