Doda, Aug 25: A one-day training programme on the promotion of the niche crop Anardana was organised for local growers at Assar in Doda under HADP Project-2: Promotion of Niche Crops – Anardana.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Prof. Parshant Bakshi, Head, Division of Fruit Science and Principal Investigator of the project. Dr. Hidayat Mir, Senior Scientist, RHRSS, Bhaderwah, coordinated the training programme.
Interacting with growers, Prof. Bakshi delivered a session on improved and organic production practices, scientific harvesting, post-harvest handling, branding, value addition and marketing of Anardana.
He highlighted the potential of Anardana as a niche crop of the region and stressed the need for adoption of scientific and sustainable practices to improve its quality, value and income-generating potential.
Dr. Zahid Shiekh, Young Professional, also addressed the participants and highlighted various initiatives and interventions being undertaken under HADP Project-2 for the promotion, conservation and development of Anardana cultivation in the region.
The programme provided a platform for interaction between scientists and growers, with participants sharing their experiences, challenges and traditional knowledge related to Anardana cultivation and processing.
The growers appreciated the initiative and sought more such training and capacity-building programmes in the future.
As part of the programme, sickles were distributed among participating growers to support scientific and efficient harvesting practices.
The organisers said such initiatives under HADP would contribute to strengthening the Anardana value chain, promoting value addition and branding, and improving livelihood opportunities for farming communities in Doda.
