Farmers’ awareness program promotes strawberry cultivation at Garkhal

JAMMU, October 13: Department of Horticulture hosted a one-day Farmers’ Awareness-cum-Interaction Program with a significant focus on plantation schemes, particularly Strawberry Cultivation, at Garkhal, Block Akhnoor today. 

The event was graced by the presence of District Level Subject Matter Specialist (Pomology), Sandeep Gupta, who led the discussions.

Accompanied by Horticulture Development Officer Akhnoor, Virender Sharma, and esteemed Sarpanch Garkhal, Kashmir Singh, a multitude of local farmers actively participated in this engaging program.

Sandeep Gupta, in his address, provided valuable insights into various Departmental schemes and programs currently underway in the district. He emphasized key initiatives such as the Revised Modified High Density Plantation Scheme, Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), CAPEX, and SMAM. 

Furthermore, he delivered an in-depth presentation on Strawberry Cultivation, highlighting its remarkable potential as a highly remunerative cash crop. He also brought to light an enticing incentive of Rs. 13,000 per Kanal available for those venturing into Strawberry cultivation. Mr. Gupta urged the farmers to maintain close communication with Horticulture Department field functionaries to fully capitalize on these beneficial schemes.

Virender Sharma, while addressing the audience, expounded on the various plantation schemes accessible to the farming community. He offered guidance on applying for incentives through online portals, such as Jansugam (jansugam.jk.gov.in) and HADP (hadp.jk.gov.in). Moreover, he encouraged the farmers to tap into the incentives available for establishing Custom Hiring Centers and Farm Machinery Banks under centrally sponsored Schemes SMAM, promoting employment generation and increased income.

Sarpanch, Kashmir Singh, expressed his gratitude to the Department for organizing this highly beneficial camp. He also extended a heartfelt request for the continuation of such informative programs in the future.