Rs.7.15 lakh earmarked for horticulture sector in Reasi

In order to raise the socio economic conditions of the rural masses and to provide them source of earning through horticulture development in their respective areas, the Horticulture Development department, Reasi is making all out efforts for encouraging fruit plantation at all the left out areas of the Reasi district.

An amount of Rs. 7.15 lacs is being incurred under district plan in the district during the current financial year for bringing about 110 hectares of area under new fruit plantation. As many as 18500 fruit plants of latest varieties like citrus, mango, litchi, apple and walnut shall be planted.

This was disclosed by the Chief Horticulture Officer, Reasi, S. Travinder Singh during an interactive session here today.

He further disclosed that 5500 top working on wild plants with superior varieties of fruit plants shall also be done. 33 demonstrations at various locations of the district in fruit and vegetable preservation would also be organized.

About 176 hectares of area was covered during last fiscal year under area expansion programme in the district as against the yearly target of 175 hectares and 31490 fruit plants of different varieties were planted. Two Community Water Tanks one each at Pouni and Arnas area and one shallow well at Panassa village were also constructed during the same period.

A 10 day training programme in fruit and vegetable preservation was also organized at Reasi where about 43 women from Pouni, Reasi and Arnas were imparted practical training. Thirty-two farmers of the district were sent outside the state to Himachal Pradesh & Punjab and 30 farmers to areas within the state for gaining knowledge in latest techniques in the field of horticulture.

The Chief Horticulture Officer, Reasi has asked to the rural populace to come forward, make themselves fully aware of the latest improved varieties of fruit plants and take active part in plantation of fruit plants in their respective areas to earn good income. He said that the barren land available in Reasi district has lot of scope for fruit plantation. If every household plants 100 to 200 fruit plants of different varieties in their land, then they can be able to earn a handsome income and improve their socio economic status, he added.