The Department of Horticulture Jammu organized a one-day Capacity Building-cum-Training Programme in Pargwal, aimed at empowering local farmers, particularly women. Held under the chairmanship of MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal, the event drew significant participation from women farmers eager to learn modern horticultural practices. Officials including Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Sayed and Chief Horticulture Officer Rakesh Kotwal were present to guide and encourage the participants.
Experts explained the processes and addressed farmer queries, helping them understand how such skills could boost their income and reduce post-harvest losses. Kirti Devi, a self-help group coordinator, expressed her gratitude and committed to sharing the knowledge with her group to set up their own production units.
MLA Mohan Lal emphasized the need to establish small-scale fruit processing units, especially for women and unemployed youth, to promote self-reliance and generate local employment. Director Gul Sayed discussed various government schemes including HADP and MIDH, encouraging farmers to utilize available resources and land to develop orchards and processing units with government support.
The programme concluded with the distribution of fruit plants and tractor keys under the HADP scheme, symbolizing a move towards modern, mechanized farming. A vote of thanks was delivered by Horticulture Development Officer Amit Saraf, who reaffirmed the department's commitment to supporting local farmers, particularly women, in building sustainable horticulture practices in the region.
Original source: www.bignewsnetwork.com