Led delegation of progressive farmers visit Jammu-Kashmir
Govt eager to implement new varieties of fruits & flowers, mulberry cultivars for silk production and latest techniques for Shivalik foothills and Kandi belt: Horticulture Minister
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, June 29-
Punjab Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra led delegation of progressive farmers undertook a five-day exposure visit of Jammu-Kashmir with the aim of implementing potential fruit and flower crops, mulberry varieties for silk production and new techniques for Punjab's Shivalik foothills and Kandi area belt.
To expose Punjab's farmers to alternative horticultural practices and crops, potentially diversifying and improving the state's agricultural output, the Cabinet Minister along with farmers gathered diverse information while visiting horticulture-related centers including the Center of Excellence for Fruits (Zawoora, Srinagar), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Kashmir), Saffron Park (Dussu, Pulwama), Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture, Model High-Density Apple Orchard (Srinagar), Potato Farm (Gulmarg), Industrial Growth Center (Lassipora) and Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute - Central Silk Board (Pampore).
During the visit, Horticulture Department of Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) shared vital information about cultivating horticultural crops relevant to Punjab, using new technologies and improving future horticulture standards in the state of Punjab. The officials also provided details on low-chilling varieties of peer, peach, plum and apple as well as establishing silk reeling units.
Addressing these events, Horticulture Minister said, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led govt is encouraging the state's farmers to move away from traditional crop cycles and cultivate more profitable fruits and flowers suitable for the current times, adding that this tour would prove significant in advancing this initiative.