STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: Secretary to Government Bureau of Public Enterprises, Floriculture and Horticulture Sanjeev Verma conducted an extensive tour of district Kathua.
He was accompanied by Director Horticulture Jammu, Anil Kumar Sharma, Chief Horticulture Officer Kathua, S. Tarvinder Singh, and other field functionaries. The Secretary visited Government Fruit Plant Nursery at Ludwal and some private orchards established under CSS i.e MIDH etc.
At Chadwal, a Mango orchard with water source facility established under MIDH was inspected by the secretary. He instructed the department to help promote intercropping with leguminous crops among the farmers to enrich soil health, and to adopt low cost vermibeds to equip the orchard with INM and IPM practices. He advised the farmers to install micro irrigation system for which 50 per cent subsidy is available with the department, also other protective measures like thatching and mulching to be taken against natural vagaries. Formulation of a comprehensive plan to include the adjoining area under fruit plantation drive was stressed by the secretary to plant Aonla and other minor fruit crops.
While visiting Government Fruit Plant Nursery Chadwal, Verma directed to start the activities already approved for the said nursery like establishment of poly carbonated green houses, screen houses and water strengthening system. At Logate, Verma inspected the orchard rejuvenated by the department under the scheme rejuvenation of old and senile orchards in private sector.
Stressing on the need to gear up the programme in order to cover the rest of the senile plantation of Mango and other crops as well, the secretary advised for proper time management of the operation so that maximum area is covered during the ensuing season.