Dear Editor,
The climate and geography of Jammu province especially, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua etc. falling in sub tropical region have lot of similarities with District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh where the HP Government has encouraged the horticulture and crops of mango, keenu, orange and lichii are being harvested but due to bad luck of our area, the horticulture is limited to Kashmir or upto some extent in Doda District where too sufficient facilities are not available. In Districts of Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua etc. the Department of Horticulture must explore the possibility of cultivation of mango, orange, keenuand even berry etc. For Jammu and Kashmir Government, the concept of horticulture has remained limited to the production of apples, pears, almonds,walnuts etc. which are produced in Kashmir and horticulture of Jammu province has never been encouraged. Even the fruits and vegetables produced in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri have not been marketed properly Rajmash, Kessar and Guchhi, if marketed properly, can attract international market. Similar is the situation of Mothi ( Rajmash) and seeds of pomegranates of Rajouri and Poonch Districts which are unable to capture national market because the State sponsorship has not been given to this sector of Jammu province. If attention is given to these sectors there is handsome scope of employment for the residents of these areas.
Surinder Kumar
Janipur Housing Colony Jammu
