Jammu, Dec 11: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu Wednesday organized a one-day training cum awareness programme on the importance and scope of Dragon Fruit Cultivation.
The awareness program was conducted under the leadership of Professor B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKAUST-Jammu on the “Importance and scope of Dragon Fruit Cultivation in Rainfed Areas of J&K.”
“Programme was coordinated by Head, KVK, Samaba Dr. Sanjay Khajuria and Dr. Arti Sharma, Professor Fruit Science and PI HADP-RAD- DRAGON FRUIT under HADP project number-15 on Rainfed Area Development at KVK Samba. Programme was attended by fifty farmers from different Panchayats of District Samba,” a statement issued here said, adding that the main objective of organizing this workshop was to promote Dragon fruit Cultivation in the Kandi belt of Samba for the livelihood security of the farmers.
The statement said that during the workshop, Dr. Sanjay Khajuria and Dr. Arti Sharma explained in detail about the importance of Dragon fruit, its cultivation as well as its scope in district Samba. Dr. Neeraj Gupta , Professor Post Harvest Management, demonstrated the preparation of value added products from dragon fruit.
“Experts suggested adopting Dragon fruit for sustainable development of rainfed lands. Programme was started by welcome address by Dr, Sanjay Khajuria followed by an expert lecture on importance of dragon fruit in Kandi area through various agroforestry interventions. Dr. Arti Sharma gave detailed information about technology for dragon fruit cultivation from procurement of planting material to construction of training structures and harvesting and marketing,” the statement said, adding that “Dr. Neeraj Gupta gave detailed information on nutritional value of dragon fruit and its value addition.”
The statement said that a field visit was organized at demonstration block of Dragon fruit established at KVK, Samba under HADP project for the enhancements of knowledge about dragon fruit cultivation and its training system to the participants. “The training programme was also attended by Dr. A. K. Sinha, Dr. Sourab Gupta , Dr. Amit Mahajan , Bharat Bhushan , Sumit Bura and Rishav Sharma,” it added.
