District-Level Awareness Program on Horticulture Held at Lalmandi Srinagar Under ATMA 2024-25

Srinagar: The Department of Horticulture, District Srinagar, organized a One-Day District Level Exhibition and Awareness Programme today at the Lalmandi Complex, Srinagar, under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) 2024-25 initiative.

The event was chaired by the Director of Horticulture, Kashmir, Jenab Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who interacted with over 115 participating orchardists and farmers from various areas of the district. During his address, the Director emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies and innovative strategies for the sustainable development of the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the potential of horticulture to enhance rural livelihoods and called for greater participation from farmers in government-led schemes.

As part of the programme, the Director also visited several exhibition stalls displaying fresh and dry fruit produce, gardening tools, and equipment, including exhibits from the Divisional Manager, Plant Protection, Srinagar. These stalls aimed to create awareness among farmers about modern horticultural practices and tools.

Senior officials including Chief Horticulture Officer, Srinagar, Sh. Joyti Prashad, District Horticulture Officer, Sheikh Iftikhar Hussain, DLSMS Srinagar, Ms. Saima Hameed, DMPP Officer, Ms. Shaziya, and other Horticulture Development Officers were present during the event and provided technical support and guidance to the farmers.

The programme focused on raising awareness regarding new technologies in horticulture, particularly nursery raising on new exotic rootstocks and the introduction of exotic varieties of apple, pear, cherry, walnut, and other crops. Farmers were also informed about various government schemes providing financial assistance, such as HADP, MIDH, JKCIP, CAPEX, PDMC, and ATMA, aimed at increasing productivity and income.

In addition to technical sessions, the department arranged transportation from different locations within the district to facilitate the participation of farmers. Participants were also provided with refreshments, plants, and vermicompost, as part of the outreach effort to encourage them to adopt modern horticultural practices.

The event concluded with a call to action from the department, encouraging farmers to take full advantage of the available schemes and technologies to boost their horticulture-based incomes and contribute to the overall development of the sector in Srinagar district.