SHOPIAN: The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Jammu, today organized a field visit for 40 trainees from the Horticulture Department who are currently undergoing training in the Season Long Training Programme (SLTP) on Apple at the Advanced Centre for Horticulture Development (ACHD) in Zainapora, Shopian.
The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Arya, Assistant Director (Plant Pathology), and Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Plant Pathology), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. During the visit, the trainees were provided with detailed illustrations and comprehensive insights into the various apple varieties cultivated at the farm.
I.A. Wafai, the Farm Manager, led the session, supported by M.A. Shah, District Training Officer (DTO) ACHD, A.R. Reshi, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Waseem ul Islam and Furqan Farooq, Incharge Supervisor ACHD. The training emphasized practical knowledge and the latest horticultural practices, aiming to enhance the skills and expertise of the trainees in apple cultivation.
Dr. Mithilesh praised the recent changes implemented at ACHD in the management of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner (ABLM) and other pests and diseases. He commended the farm's adaptation of cutting-edge IPM technology and the emphasis on proper sanitation, achieved through dedicated team efforts. These measures have significantly improved the farm's overall health and productivity.
He highlighted the importance of such practical field visits in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Haroon Rashid emphasized the role of advanced training in achieving sustainable horticultural development and improving apple yield and quality in the region.
The trainees expressed their gratitude for the valuable insights and hands-on experience gained during the visit. The ACHD team assured continued support and collaboration in future training programs to further enhance the capabilities of the horticulture community. This field visit marks a significant step towards fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in the horticulture sector, contributing to the overall growth and development of apple cultivation in the region.
