KATHUA: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine under its outreach in CSIR Floriculture Mission conducted a seed distribution programme, training on scientific crop production and management of marigold and value addition of floricultural crops at Government Degree College, Kathua. The activity under the Mission envisages to promote the floriculture sector in the UT by enhancing the acreage under various region specific crops and their value addition.
The Mission is one of the flagship societal missions under Union Ministry of Science and Technology that is being mentored for its successful implementation by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Honâble Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space.
The training and seed distribution programme was organized under the patronage of Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR IIIM Jammuwho in his message assured the farmers and the participating student trainees, the required support and handholding from the Institute for their empowerment through capacity building and incubation. He further mentioned in his message that such societal Missions programmes are first of kind initiatives that have a rippling impact on transforming the farmer economy and regional prosperity, thus all are encouraged to take full benefits out of these programmes.
The event aimed at equipping farmers with advanced scientific techniques in floriculture, thereby enhancing their income and promoting commercial cultivation of floricultural crops. A total of 80 farmers from different zones of Kathua district participated in the programme who were given hands-on training on scientific nursery production, crop management, disease and pest management, economics and marketing. The participating farmers were also provided with the quality seed material of the high yielding marigold cultivars.
Additionally, a training programme on the value addition of floricultural crops was conducted for 90 college students of the Kathua, focusing on imparting skills in floriculture-based enterprises. The training covered various value-addition technologies, including dry flower technology, resin art, fresh flower arrangements, floral jewelry, perfumes, attars, and flower printing. Participants were provided with hands-on experience, equipping them with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial insights to explore opportunities in floriculture-based value-added product development.
Dr. Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist, CSIR Floriculture Mission, in his comprehensive address informed about the CSIRâs technological interventions and their role in enhancing farmers' incomes.He emphasized that among the various farmer-oriented initiatives of CSIR, Floriculture Mission has made a transformative impact in India's floricultural sector through the promotion of high-value floriculture crops and the adoption of scientific farming practices. The Mission has been significantly benefitting the farmers, creating opportunities for agri-entrepreneurship besides leading to import substitution in floricultural and their products.
The event was graced by Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Professor and Head, KVK Kathua, as a distinguished guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the importance of adopting scientific cultivation practices, value-addition technologies, and market-driven approaches to maximize profits from floriculture. He also encouraged farmers to explore innovative processing techniques for developing value-added floral products.
Sh. Tejindar Singh Wazir, a prominent floriculturist commended CSIR-IIIM's efforts in enhancing farmer incomes through floriculture. He underscored the importance of empowering farmers through comprehensive training on various aspects of crop cultivation. He further emphasized on diversification of floricultural crop varieties and their introduction in the region.
The programme highlighted the need for scientific interventions to address key challenges such as soil fertility constraints, climate variability, and limited irrigation resources, emphasizing the role of technology-driven agricultural practices in mitigating these issues and improving overall productivity. Dr. Maliqa Majid, Project Scientist, CSIR-IIIM, carried out the proceedings of the events and briefed the participating farmers and students on the various verticals of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, stressing their role in promoting commercial floriculture and entrepreneurship.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Siya Ram Meena, Senior Technical Officer, CSIR-IIIM, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, experts, college administration, and participating farmers for their contribution in making the event a success.
