1 lakh hybrid seedlings distributed among farmers of Marh subdivision

One lakh hybrid vegetable seedlings were distributed among farmers of the Marh subdivision by Anil Gupta, Director Agriculture, Jammu, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) on Wednesday. The seedlings, raised by the Agronomist, Vegetable Improvement Scheme (VIS) Jammu are disease-free, healthy and of high quality. So far, around two to three lakh vegetable seedlings have been distributed among farmers under this initiative.

Interacting with farmers, Gupta informed that these seedlings were available at a highly subsidised rate. He appealed to farmers to avail benefit of this facility and adopt quality vegetable cultivation practices for enhanced productivity and profitability.

During his visit, Gupta also inspected the naturally ventilated polyhouse where red and yellow bell peppers, seedless cucumber and tomato are being raised under protected cultivation. These crops are being maintained for demonstration purposes and would serve as live models during the farmers’ training programmes from across the Jammu Division.

Highlighting the scope of urban farming, the Director Agriculture informed that 2000 grow-bags were being distributed under the IPDP to encourage vegetable cultivation in the urban and peri-urban areas. He further reviewed the ongoing works at the Centre of Excellence, which is expected to become operational within a month. The centre will facilitate round-the-year production of vegetable and floriculture seedlings, thereby strengthening the region’s nursery infrastructure.

While apprising the Director Agriculture about the ongoing activities Agronomist (VIS) Vikas Padha said the sowing of breeder seed of spinach had commenced at the Jammu Province Agriculture Experimental (JPAE) Farm for further multiplication and distribution among farmers to ensure the availability of quality vegetable seed.

Among others present on the occasion were Dr Aman Jyoti Sharma, Joint Director, Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Vinod Kumar Sharma, Agriculture Chemist, Vikas Padha, Agronomist (VIS), Jammu, Ajit Singh, Assistant Botanist, Khalid Hassan, SDAO, Marh, and other senior officials and staff of the department. — OC