Poonch: Director Horticulture Jammu Chaman Lal Sharma Wednesday undertook a comprehensive tour of District Poonch to assess the implementation of the departmental schemes and review on-ground developmental activities aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector in the region.
He visited multiple farmers’ orchards across Poonch, Lassana, Harni and other blocks and interacted with orchardists and took firsthand appraisal of the conditions of orchards of apple and other fruit crops. He encouraged farmers to adopt advanced horticultural practices to improve productivity and enhance income.
The Director also visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Poonch, where he reviewed ongoing research and extension services being provided to farmers. He closely monitored the functioning of apple rootstock banks and inspected the layout and management of Revised Modified Orchards and geo tanks, which are instrumental in ensuring water conservation and improved orchard management especially in hilly terrains.
Chief Horticulture Sanjeev Kumar, MCC’s Anil Chibber, Niaz Ahmed and other officers of the department accompanied the Director.
Later, the Director convened a meeting of the Horticulture Development Officers, officials & field functionaries of district Poonch. He asked the staff to reach out to farmers to educate them about various departmental schemes, particularly focusing on the promotion of Pecannut, a high-value and native crop to the Poonch region with significant commercial potential.
Earlier, Chief Horticulture Officer appraised the chair about the ongoing works and achievements made so far under different schemes being implemented in the district.
Later, the Director inspected various Govt. fruit plant nurseries across the district and appreciated the functionaries for closely monitoring & implementing the schemes and developmental works in the District.
