Jammu and Kashmir government approves setting up of two horticulture centres

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved setting up of two centers of excellence, in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, for introducing the latest technology in horticulture cultivation to farmers and fruit growers for better quality produce in the state.

The elite centers would be set up at a cost Rs 20 crore under Indo-Dutch Action Plan and will sensitize the fruit growers about high-quality plants, micro-irrigation, high-tech greenhouse technology, tissue culture and weather forecasting, an official spokesperson said today.

He further said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the centers has been formulated by the government in consultation with the Dutch experts.

State Horticulture Minister A R Veeri, had given a nod for establishing the centers at a high level meeting, which was also attended by Senior Horticulture Expert Netherlands, Antoon Andela, here yesterday, he said.

Stressing on the need to sensitize farmers about benefits of latest technology, the minister called for undertaking regular awareness campaigns in all fruit-growing districts to make the farmers aware about the new practices and ways to improve quality and production, he said.

The two courses in horticulture will be introduced soon through ITIs to cater to the manpower requirement, Veeri said.

He further said government would also establish model villages for apple, mango and apricot fruits in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh Divisions respectively.