Horticulture Dept organizes workshop on designer plants and clean plant production

Srinagar, Aug 06: The Department of Horticulture Kashmir hosted a comprehensive workshop on “Production of Designer Plants and Clean Plant Production” at the Conference Hall in Lalmandi, Srinagar. The event aimed to equip officers and nursery growers with the latest scientific and technological advancements in horticulture.
Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, chaired the workshop, emphasizing the significance of High-Density farming as a transformative approach for the sector. He highlighted its potential to enhance the socio-economic status of the farming community through increased quality and quantity of produce.
Nursery Registration Officer Kashmir, M Y Malik, opened the inaugural session by elaborating on the workshop’s theme. He stressed the necessity of adopting scientific methods and technological knowhow to locally produce high-quality fruit plant material that matches imported standards. “Dedication and commitment are essential to navigate the horticulture sector towards progress and prosperity,” he stated.
Experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST-K) and the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) delivered detailed presentations. These sessions addressed the challenges and opportunities in nursery growing and the propagation of true-to-type quality fruit plants.
During an interactive session, nursery growers shared their experiences and challenges in fruit plant propagation. The discussions provided valuable insights into improving practices and overcoming obstacles.
Bhat urged officers and field functionaries to enhance departmental nurseries into vibrant centers for propagating quality fruit plant material. He also recognized and awarded certificates of appreciation to outstanding officers and officials for their exemplary work in maintaining departmental nurseries.
The workshop saw participation from key figures, including the Chief Horticulture Officer of Srinagar, District Horticulture Officers, Horticulture Development Officers, field functionaries, and various nursery growers from the Kashmir Division.
This initiative marks a significant step towards advancing the horticulture sector in Kashmir, ensuring it meets the growing demand for high-density orchards with quality plant materials.