JAMMU: Director Horticulture Jammu, Chaman Lal Sharma conducted an extensive tour of twin districts of Kishtwar & Doda to have a complete review of achievements of all the schemes viz: Capex as well as Centrally Sponsored Schemes especially Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP)besides other developmental activities being carried out in both the districts.
The Director chaired the meeting of the District Officers, Horticulture Development Officers, officials & field staff of district Kishtwar and Doda in their respective districts. At the outset, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kishtwar, Sajid Mustafa briefed the chair about the achievements made under all the schemes being implemented in the district.
While taking a review of the ongoing schemes, Director Horticulture impressed upon the officers and officials to expedite the works undertaken for the development of the departmental nurseries and organize awareness camps, Kissangoshtis, etc. to ensure effective implementation of government schemes for the ultimate benefit of the fruit growers. He also had an interaction with the farmers at Panchayat Pochal and listened to their problems patiently.
The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, in particular, emerged as a focal point of discussion, showcasing the department's commitment to holistic development and innovation in horticulture. Further, in district Doda, Chief Horticulture Officer, Raghunath Upadhaya appraised the chair about the status of progress made under different departmental Schemes. The director stressed upon all the officers and officials to put their efforts with zeal and dedication to disseminate the developmental schemes of the department to the last possible farmer of the district for better utilization of funds in time. He also inspected the Olive Oil Extraction Plant and Soil Testing Laboratory set up at the District Horticulture complex Doda.
The Director stressed upon officers/officials of twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar to identify walnut clusters which can be supplemented with High density varieties of walnut to raise economic standards of rural populace. Later, the Director visited Government Fruit Plant Nursery, Khellani and took stock of the ongoing developmental activities and gave on spot instructions to the nursery staff regarding the production of quantity and quality of grafted planting material in the nursery. At last, all the officers of both the districts assured the chair to extend full cooperation and vowed to work hard for the betterment of the farming community.
