Jammu, Jan 19: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu conducted three workshop-cum-seed distribution programmes under CSIR Floriculture Mission in Kathua and Samba in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare and KVK Kathua.
During the programmes, capacity-building on scientific production technology of marigolds was imparted to the participating farmers and entrepreneurs. The programmes conducted at CSIR IIIM Jammu, KVK Kathua and COA Office Samba, were attended by 250 participants including farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and officers of the Agriculture Department Jammu and KVK Kathua. The quality hybrid marigold seed was also distributed to 196 farmer beneficiaries registered under the Mission from Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist of the Mission in J&K informed that among various farmer and agri-industry-oriented, innovation-driven initiatives of CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI, Floriculture Mission is a flagship programme being implemented across the country, envisaging greater impact on inclusive economic development of farmers and the floriculture sector. “In conformity with the clarion call of Prime Minister for Self Reliant India and under the patronage and vision of Union Science and Technology Minister for the promotion of agri-tech startups, CSIR Floriculture Mission has provided a much-required fillip to the floriculture industry and also significantly enhanced the profitability of the farm holdings,” he said.
During the programmes, it was emphasized that farmers should adopt the integrated approach to farming and follow the scientific advisories for profitable and sustainable agriculture and securing gainful livelihood. Deliberations were also made on the establishment of viable marketing linkages to harness the full potential of the sector.
Eminent among the participants during the workshops were K.K. Sharma, Director, Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Chief Scientist & Head CSIR IIIM Srinagar, Dr Vishal Mahajan, Head KVK Kathua and Tejinder Singh, Member JK State Advisory Board for Development of Farmers.
