DODA: The two-day Kissan Mela-cum-Horticulture Expo organised by Horticulture Department under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme concluded on Thursday.
District Development Commissioner Doda Shyam Vinod Meena who inaugurated the Mela yesterday was the Chief Guest at the valedictory ceremony. A large number of progressive farmers and orchardists from different Blocks of the District participated in the event.
At the valedictory function, an interactive session was held during which progressive farmers get an opportunity to exchange ideas and get advices from the Scientists, technical Experts and other field functionaries of Horticulture Department.
The DDC Doda Meena advised the farmers to adopt latest technology for the growth and development of Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied sectors in the region.
Regarding establishment of Fruit Mandi in Doda District, the DDC revealed that a temporary Fruit Mandi will be established in Sports Stadium Doda for a period of three weeks.
“For the purpose 10 RR Doda will provide Tents where the farmers and orchardists can sell their products directly to the buyers and get maximum benefit” he said.
The DDC also directed the Horticulture and Marketing Department Doda to ensure that Fruit / Vegetable Mandi is established within the shortest possible time.
Meena also expressed hope that with the creation of Farmers’ Club/ Association, the problems of the farmers related to infrastructure development, marketing, cold storage, technology transfer, farmers training, transportation will be mitigated to a great extent.
More than 800 samples of different fruit crops like walnut, apple, pear, citrus, kiwi, pica nut, quince and other rare fruits were displayed in the show. Private companies dealing with different types of agricultural tools and equipments like tiller and tractor, power sprayers, irrigations pumps etc also displayed their equipments at the show.
Prizes viz first, second, third and consolation worth Rs. 1000, Rs. 700 , Rs. 500 and Rs. 300 respectively were also awarded to the best fruit exhibits of different kinds adjudged by the judging committee in the Kissan Mela.
Assistant Commissioner Development Doda Dhananter Singh, Chief Horticulture Officer Doda B.L Pandita, District SMS M.A Wani, District SMS Sandeep Sharma and DHO Doda Mr. S. Mustafa were present on the concluding ceremony.