@JournalistAadil
Srinagar: Department of Horticulture Kashmir held a mega meet-cum-awareness camp for the walnut farmers on Tuesday at TRC Handwara, Kupwara district. The camp was organized as per the directions of Principal Secretary Horticulture, Navin Kumar Chowdhary by the Department to reach out to the walnut farmers as a part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
Director General Horticulture Kashmir Ajaz Ahmad Bhat was the Chief Guest of the function. The main purpose of the camp was to make the farmers aware about the different departmental Schemes in vogue particularly Schemes related to the development walnut industry. At the outset of the Programme, the Director General was appraised about the present scenario of the walnut industry in the district. Various strengths and weaknesses of the industry were put before him.
Furthermore, the farmers also participated in the discussions and put forth their problems and grievances before the chair regarding the walnut industry. In his address, Director General Horticulture, elaborated in detail the various initiatives being taken by the Department for the upliftment of walnut industry. He informed that the Department has included walnut fruit in the newly launched Modified High-Density Scheme (MHDS). He further added that the department has signed an MoU with National Seed Corporation (NSC) for importing high quality walnut varieties like Chandler for the next five year which will be provided to farmers.
He stressed for change in walnut cultivation from traditional to modern systems which is the only viable alternative to increase the quality, production and productivity of walnut. Elaborating the Schemes DG added that the department is providing various Schemes/components related to walnuts like high-density walnut orchard, walnut nursery, walnut dehulling and grading units, vacuum packaging etc. Besides Chief Horticulture Officer, Kupwara the camp was attended by DHO, Kupwara, other officers of the department and prominent walnut growers and traders of the district.
