JAMMU, FEBRUARY 12: Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu Anil Gupta today inaugurated the first picking of exotic vegetables being cultivated under protected conditions at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu.
Tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers have been grown under a Naturally Ventilated Polygreen House (NVPGH) structure using advanced vegetable cultivation practices. The initiative has been undertaken for demonstration and popularisation of protected cultivation technologies among farmers.
Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agronomist (Vegetable Improvement Scheme), Vikas Padha, Agriculture Economist, Tilak Raj Sharma, Farm Manager Chinore, Verinder Dogra, Assistant Botanist, Ajeet Singh besides other senior officers and staff of the Vegetable Improvement Scheme were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Agriculture emphasised the need to promote the cultivation of exotic and high-value vegetables under protected and controlled conditions to ensure round-the-year production and enhanced income for farmers. Director Anil Gupta further highlighted that round-the-year production of vegetables under controlled conditions not only ensures stable supply to the market but also reduces dependence on seasonal cultivation. He urged the officers of the department to intensify awareness and demonstration programmes so that more farmers are encouraged to adopt protected cultivation practices.
Agronomist, Vikas Padha apprised the visiting officers about Tomato Himsona variety and other exotic vegetables being grown under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme. It was informed that Himsona Tomato variety is a high-yielding hybrid variety characterised by vigorous growth, attractive red glossy fruits, uniform size and excellent shelf life, making it suitable for long-distance transportation.
The Director Agriculture along with other senior officers, also inspected vegetable and flower seedlings and other interventions being demonstrated under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme.
Later, Anil Gupta reviewed the progress of ongoing works of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming being established under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme. He expressed satisfaction over the pace and quality of the works, which are nearing completion. The Director stated that the Centre of Excellence is ready for commissioning and will be made operational shortly.