Srinagar: District Srinagar, Horticulture Department organized a One-Day District Level Exhibition and Awareness Programme at Lalmandi Complex, Srinagar, under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) 2024-25 initiative. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director of Horticulture, Kashmir, addressed the 115 orchardists and farmers from across the district. He urged that farmers should adopt modern techniques to improve the horticulture sector in the valley. He further added that horticulture crops will improve the rural livelihoods, urging farmers to take advantage of government schemes.
The director saw the stalls set up for the exhibition, showcasing fresh and dry fruits, gardening tools, and modern equipment for agriculture. Senior officials, including Chief Horticulture Officer Joyti Prashad, District Horticulture Officer Sheikh Iftikhar Hussain, DLSMS Srinagar Saima Hameed, and DMPP Officer Shaziya, along with other officials, were present on the occasion, providing technical support and guidance.
The key focus of the event was on the development of nurseries and the introduction of new apple, pear, cherry, and walnut varieties. During the event, farmers got the information about the government’s financial aid schemes like HADP, MIDH, JKCIP, CAPEX, PDMC, and ATMA, aiming to boost production and farmers’ incomes.
The department made the arrangement of transports for farmers so that they can participate and avail themselves of the event. Various plants and vermicompost were displayed to inspire them to adopt modern horticultural methods.
The event ended on a high note; farmers were asked to take advantage of government schemes and advanced technologies to boost their income and the improvement of the horticulture sector as well as the economy of the valley.
