Ramban, Apr-10; CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Ramban today organised a one day training and planting material distribution programme under CSIR Floriculture Mission at Mini Secretariat, Ramban. In the event 85 farmer beneficiaries from different areas of the district were imparted training on commercial cultivation and post harvest technologies for Cut and Loose flower cultivars. The farmers were also provided the quality planting material of Gladiolus and hybrid marigold seed.
At the outset of the programme Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Chief Agriculture Officer, Ramban welcomed the chief guest Sh. Mussarat Islam, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist, CSIR Floriculture Mission, officers of the Department of Agriculture and participating farmers.
In his interaction with the participants, Dr Shahid Rasool gave a brief about the different verticals being implemented across the UT of J&K under CSIR Floriculture Mission and its importance to bring about the transformational change in the commercial floriculture sector of the region. Highlighting the scope and the opportunities in the cultivation and multiplication of the commercial cut and loose flower varieties, considering the diverse edaphic and agro-climatic conditions in the entire Chenab Valley, Ramban being centrally located between Srinagar and Jammu can be leveraged for supply of marigold during the peak demand seasons of religious tourism. He further emphasized on resource optimization and integrated approach to farming practices for overall inclusive development in the farming sector.
In his initial remarks, Sh. Mussarat Islam, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, complimented the initiative of CSIR-IIIM for reaching out to the farmers of the far flung areas of the district Ramban and informed that more than 60 per cent of the households in the district derive their income and livelihood from the farming sector. Making a mention of various farmer oriented schemes of the government, he informed that the district administration in coherence with the line departments is always steadfast and strives for the delivery and assistance to the farmers. While welcoming the coverage of the farmers of the district under CSIR Floriculture Mission, he emphasized that the farmlands in the district are ideally suited for cultivation of cash crops including flower varieties. He also expressed his gratitude to the participating farmers and impressed upon the officers of the department of agriculture to have a coordinated approach for translation of the activities under the Mission for greater outcome.
Later, in the technical session a detailed presentations on scientific cultivation of Marigold and Gladiolus was delivered by Dr Iqra Farooq. The proceedings of the event ended with the vote of thanks by Sh Sunil Gupta, SMS Department of Agriculture, Ramban.
