Kishtwar farmers covered under CSIR Floriculture Mission

Kisthwar, March 17. Under the area expansion vertical of CSIR Floriculture Mission, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine J&K in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Kisthwar organized an awareness and quality planting distribution programme on Friday at the Mini Secretariat here.
At the event, 85 farmers were present who were informed about the opportunities in the commercial floriculture sector owing to their huge demand and marketability. “The agro-climatic conditions offer unique suitability for production of different cut flowers and their quality germplasm in Kishtwar,” they were informed.
The farmers were told about the scientific cultivation protocols and subsequent management techniques in floriculture crops for achieving higher crop yields for enhanced income generation. Quality planting material of Gladiolus and Marigold to 66 farmers was also distributed at the event.
At the outset of the event, Sahil Gandotra, DAO Kishtwar welcomed the participating farmers, CSIR team and other functionaries of the district including PRIs, and officers of the department and highlighted the need for the introduction of commercial floriculture in the district.
Amjad Malik CAO Kishtwar while welcoming the outreach of the CSIR Floriculture Mission informed that the initiative will be fully coordinated for its successful implementation to realize the outcomes for farmers’ empowerment.
Addressing the farmers, Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist CSIR Floriculture Mission, highlighted the need for crop diversification in the region and informed that the commercial cultivars of different floricultural crops are ideal candidates for adoption owing to their high net returns. “Agrarian sector is providing gainful income and livelihood opportunities to the farmers of the country owing to the globalization and entrepreneurship opportunities through Agritech Start-Ups,” he said, adding that the farmers interested in the cultivation of aromatic crops will also be provided hand-holding and necessary assistance. He also presented a detailed production protocol for the commercial cultivation of Marigold and Gladiolus.
Complimenting the support and the coordination of the department, Dr Shahid Rasool expressed his gratitude and appreciation to K K Sharma, Director Agriculture Jammu for his earnest interest in farmer welfare and prosperity. Present at the event was Dr Narinder Pal Incharge KVK Kishtwar, officers of the Agriculture Department Kishtwar and PRIs.