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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at JAMMU: A Farmer Awareness and Training Camp was successfully organized at Panchayat Ghar Lower Domana with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about modern horticultural practices and sustainable income enhancement. A large number of farmers from the adjoining areas participated in the camp. The programme was attended by Hon'ble MLA Jammu North Shri Sham Lal Sharma as the Chief Guest. Director Horticulture Jammu, Shri Gul Sayeed, and Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu, Shri R.K. Kotwal Horticulture Dev Officer Bhalwal Sh Ravinder Kumar and officer/officials of all department of bhalwal zone were also present on the occasion.
Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu Shri R.K. Kotwal laid special emphasis on horticulture crops, particularly dragon fruit, strawberry, and other high-value fruit crops. He provided technical guidance on improved varieties, scientific cultivation practices, nutrient management, and plant protection measures, emphasizing the income-generating potential of these crops.
Director Horticulture Shri Gul Sayeed laid special emphasis on Post-Harvest Technology, stressing its vital role in minimizing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ profitability. He highlighted the importance of grading, packaging, storage, cold chain infrastructure, processing, and value addition, and informed farmers about various government schemes and facilities available for post-harvest management.
While addressing the farmers, MLA Shri Sham Lal Sharma laid special emphasis on Integrated Crop Production (ICP) as a sustainable and farmer-friendly approach to agriculture. He explained that integrated crop production is a holistic farming system that focuses on the judicious use of natural resources, balanced input management, and adoption of eco-friendly practices to achieve higher productivity and long-term sustainability.
He highlighted that integrated crop production involves crop diversification, including the integration of horticulture crops such as fruits and vegetables with traditional field crops, which helps in risk reduction and ensures stable income throughout the year. He stressed the importance of soil health management through soil testing, balanced use of fertilizers, organic manures, green manuring, and bio-fertilizers.
Shri Sham lal Sharma further emphasized integrated pest and disease management (IPM), which includes the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological control agents, and need-based use of pesticides to reduce chemical residues and production costs. He also underlined the role of efficient water management, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, mulching, and rainwater harvesting, to conserve water and improve water-use efficiency.
He explained that integrated crop production also promotes mechanization, use of quality planting material, timely farm operations, and adoption of modern technologies, which collectively enhance crop productivity and reduce labor costs. By adopting this integrated approach, farmers can improve crop quality, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance overall farm profitability.
MLA Shri Sham Lal Sharma appealed to farmers to adopt integrated crop production practices in coordination with the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to ensure sustainable farming, higher income, and improved livelihood. The camp also featured an interactive session during which farmers raised queries and received expert advice from the officers. Farmers were made aware of various departmental schemes and technical support available to them. The camp concluded with a call to farmers to adopt integrated crop production, modern horticulture practices, and post-harvest technologies for sustainable farming and overall development of the agriculture and horticulture in the region.
