NL Correspondent
Jammu Tawi, Oct 18
Department of Horticulture, Udhampur and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) successfully concluded 35 days collaborative skill development training programme on “Nursery Management including Grafting and Budding of Fruit Plants” for rural youths here at Govt. Fruit Plants Nursery, Badolla, Udhampur under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. The programme was attended by 25 rural youths from different areas of Udhampur district with full zeal and enthusiasm. The programme was organized under the guidance and supervision of Director Horticulture, Jammu, Ms. Anuradha Gupta and Associate Director Extension and Incharge of KVKs of SKUAST-J, Dr.R.K.Arora. Various technical sessions were organized during the programme. During the valedictory function, Chief Horticulture Officer, Udhampur, Sh.Brij Vallabh Gupta welcomed the participants and gave a keynote address to the participants. While addressing the participants, he said that various technical skills including grafting and budding on fruit crops have been developed among the rural youth during the programme which further can help to enhance income and employment in the rural areas. He said that horticulture sector can play a significant role to double the farmers' income by 2022 and stressed on entrepreneurship development in fruit crops. While speaking on the occasion, Dr.Banarsi Lal, Incharge and Sr. Scientist-cum-Head, KVK, Reasi appreciated the participants for showing their keen interest in the training programme and
urged them to take maximum benefit of this programme. He apprised the participants about the potential of fruit crops in the area and highlighted the significance of quality planting material to increase the fruit crops production in the area. He urged the trainees to enrich the horticulture sector in the area with their newly acquired skills. He stressed on the hybrid/improved varieties of fruit crops which can give the better yields as compared to the traditional varieties. The participants expressed their satisfaction regarding the training progarmme and requested for organizing such programmes in future also. During the programme trainees interacted with the experts and asked some quarries which were answered satisfactorily by the experts. Dignitaries also awarded certificates of participation to the trainees during the valedictory function. The occasion was also attended by Dr.Suja Nabi Qureshi, scientist, Sh.Dheeraj Kumar, Horticulture Development Officer, Sh.Rajesh Gupta, Horticulture Development Officer, Sh.Manohar Lal, Junior Assistant and others. Sh.Rajesh Gupta, Horticulture Development Officer presented formal vote of thanks.
