JAMMU: Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta today distributed one lakh hybrid vegetable seedlings to farmers of Sub-Division Marh under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The seedlings, raised by the Agronomist, Vegetable Improvement Scheme (VIS) Jammu and are disease-free, healthy and of high quality. So far, around 2 to 3 lakh vegetable seedlings have already been distributed to farmers under this initiative.
Interacting with the farmers, the Director Agriculture informed that these seedlings are available at a highly subsidized rate. He appealed the farmers to avail benefit of this facility and adopt quality vegetable cultivation practices for enhanced productivity and profitability.
During the visit, the Director Agriculture also inspected the Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse where red and yellow bell peppers, seedless cucumber and tomato are being raised under protected cultivation. These crops are being maintained for demonstration purposes and will serve as live models during the farmers’ training programmes from across the Jammu Division.
Highlighting the scope of urban farming, the Director Agriculture informed that 2000 grow-bags are being distributed under the IPDP to encourage vegetable cultivation in urban and peri-urban areas. He further reviewed the ongoing works at the Centre of Excellence, which is expected to become operational within a month. The centre will facilitate round-the-year production of vegetable and floriculture seedlings, thereby strengthening the region’s nursery infrastructure.
Agronomist (VIS), Vikas Padha, apprised the Director Agriculture about the ongoing activities and informed that the sowing of breeder seed of spinach has commenced at the JPAE Farm for further multiplication and distribution to farmers to ensure the availability of quality vegetable seed.
Among others present on the occasion were Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Dr. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agriculture Chemist, Vinod Kumar Sharma, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu, Vikas Padha, Assistant Botanist, Ajit Singh, SDAO Marh, Khalid Hassan and other senior officers and staff of the department.