Punjab Minister shows interest in adopting J&K’s innovative agri practices

Pulwama, June 25 : The Horticulture Minister of Punjab, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, has shown a keen interest in adopting some of the best agricultural practices from Kashmir.
On a study tour accompanied by a delegation of officials and progressive farmers, Minister Jouramajra visited various agricultural institutions across the Kashmir region, aiming to explore innovative farming techniques and practices that could be beneficial for Punjab.
Speaking to the media at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) in Pampore area of Pulwama district, Minister Jouramajra emphasised the potential of integrating Kashmiri agricultural methods into Punjab’s farming practices.
“We are here to study the diverse agricultural activities practiced in this region. Kashmir offers a plethora of opportunities that can greatly benefit our farmers in Punjab,” he said.
The minister expressed particular interest in the region’s sericulture, horticulture, and floriculture industries. Following a visit to the Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI) in Galander and IIKSTC in Drussu, he highlighted the potential of introducing sericulture to Punjab.
“Sericulture and horticulture hold significant promise for Punjab. The varieties of pears cultivated in Kashmir, for instance, could prove advantageous for our farmers if introduced in our state,” he said.
Minister Jouramajra also praised the Kiwi cultivation efforts observed at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Kashmir.
“The Kiwi plantation within the university campus is impressive, with the plants bearing abundant fruit. Previously, we had to import Kiwi planting material, but now it will be available locally,” he said.
He said that this shift underscores the progress in Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which he believes will continue to thrive.
Expressing optimism about future collaborations, Minister Jouramajra expressed hope for continued cooperation between the governments of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir in the realm of agriculture.
“We have learned a lot from this region and are eager to implement these practices to benefit our farmers,” he said, anticipating fruitful partnerships that will elevate agricultural practices in Punjab to new heights