CSIR-IIIM distributes seed material to farmers of Chenab Valley

Srinagar, May 10 : CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu organized a quality seed distribution programme for the farmers of the district Doda as part of the area expansion vertical of the CSIR-Floriculture Mission here today at community hall Doda.
The event was organized under the patronage of Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR IIIM Jammu. 150 farmers from different areas of the district participated in the day long programme where in training and skill was imparted to the farmers for scientific crop production and management of marigold, who were also provided with the quality seeds of marigold.
At the outset of the event, prominent floriculturist and J&K Kisan Advisory Board members Tejinder Singh Wazir and Hind Bhushan appreciated the outreach of CSIR IIIM under the Mission and emphasized on the effective steps being undertaken through planned implementation of the Mission for farmer empowerment and production of sustainable and quality produce of marigold flowers on large scale besides creating opportunities for gainful and remunerative employment for the farmers families across the region.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist of the Mission in J&K informed that among various farmer and agri-industry oriented, innovation driven initiatives of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research GOI, Floriculture Mission is a flagship programme being implemented across country envisaging inclusive economic development of farmers and the Floriculture sector.
During the training session at the event, technical lectures were delivered by Dr Nepu Rana and Tahoora Ashraf (Project Associates in the Mission). The farmers were informed on various advanced techniques and methodology for optimal utilization of the resources and successful production of the floricultural crops throughout the crop season which can be leveraged for supply of marigold flowers as offerings at religious places during the peak demand. The participating farmers expressed their gratitude to the Institute for providing hand holding and quality inputs for profitable utilization of their farmlands through various verticals of the Mission.