Jammu, Jan 17: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu organised a one-day workshop-cum-seed distribution programme under CSIR Floriculture Mission here on Tuesday which was attended by progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, officers of the agriculture department Jammu.
K.K. Sharma, Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking at the event, he commended the efforts of CSIR IIIM for conducting the workshop and expressed his keen interest in the promotion of the floriculture sector in the Jammu division with an aim to benefit farmers of J&K. He emphasized on the integrated approach of farming for sustainable agriculture and securing livelihood of farmers.
Dr Suphla Gupta, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, while welcoming the participants, gave an overview of the workshop and informed them about the role of CSIR-IIIM in the development and dissemination of the technologies on cultivation and post-harvest handling of commercially important floricultural crops.
Dr. Iqra Farooq, Project Associate gave a technical presentation on the occasion describing in detail the commercial production of marigold.
Tajinder Singh, President Flower Growers Association, Jammu, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the importance of commercial floriculture. He also appreciated the work done under the CSIR Floriculture Mission for promotion of the sector across the UT of J&K. He emphasized on establishment of viable marketing linkages to harness the full potential of the sector.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist of the Mission in J&K, in his address mentioned that under innovation-driven initiatives of the Union Minister of Science and Technology who is also Vice President CSIR, various Mission programmes were launched all over India which have a great impact on inclusive economic development of farmers. CSIR Floriculture Mission as one among such missions being implemented across the country has provided a much-required impetus to the floriculture industry and has also significantly enhanced the profitability of the farm holding, he said.
He thanked Director, CSIR IIIM, Dr D.S Reddy for his patronage and guidance and also acknowledged the support of the Director Agriculture Jammu and his team for the successful conduct of the event.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Chief Scientist and Head IIIM Srinagar appreciated the active participation of farmers in the realization of the successful and tangible outcome of the activities under the Mission. Owing to the diverse climatic conditions, J&K has the potential for the production of quality flowering crops for local as well as export-oriented markets, he added.
On the occasion, the seeds of hybrid marigolds were distributed among 92 farmers associated with the cultivation of marigolds from the Jammu district. It was also informed that in the coming days, the seeds of hybrid marigolds would also be distributed among the farmers of the Samba and Kathua districts. Bhavna Verma conducted the proceeding of the programme. Ritu Devi and Praveen Kumar A were appreciated for their active support in organising the event.
