Chamba: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal at Chamba to discuss the implementation of the Integrated Mission on Horticulture Development. Through this mission, an annual action plan has been prepared to make the farmers aware of how to bring innovation to the horticulture sector and boost the growth rate. The plan has been finalized with a budget of Rs 742.57 lakh.
During the meeting, Dr. Pramod Shah, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, explained the merits of the plan, like planting high-value fruit crops and the use of high-density plantation techniques. Other areas to be covered through this plan are the establishment of polyhouses, installing hail nets, and quality irrigation schemes. The focus of the scheme is to promote off-season farming of profitable vegetables and flowers.
The mission is set to install packing and grading machines, construct storages, and set up vermicompost pits. Farmers will be given training within the district and outside the state to increase their skills about horticulture farming and enhance their incomes.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that such schemes should be linked with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The plan looks positive and will provide employment opportunities to rural workers along with enhancing horticulture development, improving farmers’ income, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices in the entire district. Authorities believe that the plan is set to play a key role in the adequate growth of the horticulture sector.
