Shopian, July 18: The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Jammu, organised a field visit for 40 trainees from the Horticulture Department participating in the Season Long Training Programme (SLTP) focused on Apple cultivation. The visit was hosted at the Advanced Centre for Horticulture Development (ACHD) in Zainapora, Shopian.
Accompanied by Dr Mithilesh Kumar Arya, Assistant Director (Plant Pathology), and Mr Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Plant Pathology) from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the delegation received comprehensive insights into various apple varieties cultivated at the facility.
Mr I.A. Wafai, Farm Manager, led the session, supported by Mr M.A. Shah, District Training Officer (DTO) at ACHD, Mr A.R. Reshi, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Mr Waseem ul Islam, and Mr Furqan Farooq, Incharge Supervisor at ACHD. The training focused on practical knowledge and current horticultural practices aimed at enhancing trainees’ expertise in apple cultivation.
Dr Mithilesh Kumar Arya praised recent advancements at ACHD, particularly in managing Apple Blotch Leaf Miner (ABLM) and other pests, attributing improvements to innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies and rigorous sanitation practices implemented by the farm’s dedicated team.
Highlighting the visit’s significance, Dr Arya emphasized its role in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, crucial for sustainable horticultural development. Mr Haroon Rashid Hakla stressed the importance of advanced training in optimizing apple yield and quality across the region.
The trainees expressed appreciation for the hands-on experience and valuable insights gained during the visit. The ACHD team affirmed their commitment to supporting future training initiatives, fostering collaboration, and enhancing capabilities within the horticultural community.
