In next 2 years, Anantnag to produce 1 lakh walnut plants

ZT News Network

Anantnag: With an area of 11,941 hectares are under walnut cultivation and an annual production of 466522 metric tonnes of walnuts, 72,000 clonal root stock have been planted in Horticulture Department’s nurseries during 2019-20. During next two years, 1 lakh plants shall be produced in such nurseries for distribution among the famers.

This was stated during a visit by Director Horticulture Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat to Brakpora nursery in District Anantnag today. In order to overcome the scarcity of quality walnut planting material in Kashmir valley, which is a prominent dry fruit here, the Department of Horticulture has envisaged to establish three high-tech nurseries of walnut in central, south and north Kashmir at Zawoora-Srinagar, Bijbehera-Anantnag and Chandigam-Kupwara.

On inspection of the said nursery, Director appreciated the dedication and working of the staff posted in the nursery. He also gave cash reward to the nursery staff and appreciation certificates as well. The working of I/C nursery Sareer Ahmad Dar, HTG-II was highly appreciated.

Director advised that steps needs to be taken to enhance production of budded/grafted walnut plants as plantation in the District as this District have the huge potential for walnut which should be tapped.

Later on Director visited Fruit & Vegetable Craft Centre & fruit plant nursery Achabal and instructed Manager Cum Chemist to conduct short term training courses in a phased manner in the art of fruit and vegetable preservation so that the local youths may establish their own ventures for which 50% financial support is being provided by the Department.

Instructions were given to District Horticulture Officer Anantnag to provide modern tools to the departmental nurseries for development of such nurseries on scientific lines. He also directed the District Horticulture officer Anantnag for providing PPE kits to the nursery as well as field staff for efficiently managing these nurseries.