STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Dr Pradeep Kumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J on Friday launched medicinal tree plantation drive at Panchayat Mathwar.
The programme was organised by KrishiVigyan Kendra, Jammu under a NABARD funded project on ‘Production and demonstration of medicinally important trees for livelihood security’.
Dr Pradeep Sharma stressed that farming must be done as enterprise or an industry and farmer must work in direction of increasing their income. He said that KVK can help the farmers to form small groups and also KVK can give trainings on preservation and value addition.
Dr. R.K Arora, Associated Director Extension and In-charge KVK’s of SKUAST-J said that there is good scope for animal husbandry and also for cultivation of pulses apart from Harad and Aonla cultivation.
Dr. VikasTandon, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Jammu, gave a detailed role of KVK in promoting agriculture in these niche areas. He showed his gratitude towards Baba Yashpal Sharma Jee for providing ample space for organising this mega programme.
Dr Punit Choudhary, scientist and PI of the Project presented a detailed roadmap of the project.
Vineeta Singh, DGM NABARD discussed in detail the NABARD initiatives for people of J&K.
Dr Rakesh Sharma stressed upon formation of self help groups of medicinal trees for achieving sustainability. Scientific method of propagation of Harad and Aonla was also discussed by Dr L.M Gupta during the occasion.
Dr. Sheetal Badyal, SMS Home Science discussed on value addition of Harad and Aonla.
The programme was attended by Officers from Agriculture, Horticulture and allied departments, Ashok Sharma (AIR Jammu), Ashish Katoch and Computer Programmer, Narinder Sharma (KVK).