Asif Iqbal Naik , Kishtwar September 25:- A two days mega Kissan Mela which was organized by Department of Horticulture, Kishtwar at ITI ground Kishtwar on 24th and 25th of September 2012 concludes today. After it was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Sh. Saleem Choudhary yesterday. A team of experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences Jammu headed by Dr. V.K Wali Head Division of Fruit Sciences was specially invited for the occasion.
The visiting dignitaries including Jitender Kumar Singh (IAS) ADDC Kishtwar and Sh. Sonam Narboo Joint Director Horticulture Jammu inspected the stalls displaying about 650 samples of fresh and dry fruits being grown in five Horticulture zones of the district. The team was briefed about the displays by Chief Horticulture Officer Kishtwar. Mr. L.K Bali and expressions of glare were observed on the faces of the visitors while observing the achievements of the growers. A display of 60 samples of Ambri variety of Apple was highly appreciated by the visitors besides the dry fruit collection of about 140 walnut samples. The giant sized pear had its prominence on the stall along with Quince collection. The Pomegranate and Grapes displayed distinctively attracted attention of visitors due to their size, sweetness and color. Attempts of introduction of citrus fruits were exhibited through 24 samples present and late maturing peaches from Padder marked their presence in the display. Introduction of rare and minor fruits like Kiwi and cultivated Olive had also marked its presence. Cultivation of Medicinal plants taken up through Departmental schemes was displayed through one of the nursery growers assisted by the Department. Printed material regarding cultivation of different fruits, calendar of operation year round, details of schemes of the department was freely distributed for the awareness among the growers.
Many private agencies also participated in the Mela and displayed/demonstrated their products. Range of P.P Machinery, protected cultivation materials and organic fertilizer concentrate materials were displayed; couple of progressive orchardists of the district expressed their satisfaction over the horticultural activities being undertaken by the department followed by a word of advice form scientist of SKUAST (J). This was followed by a valuable word of appreciation and suggestion from worth District Dev. Commissioner impressing upon the growers to adopt the latest techniques and procedures advised by the experts to boost up their productivity as Kishtwar is bestowed with excellent climatic condition for the fruit growing none less than adjoining Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh. The session concluded by vote of thanks by Chief Horticulture Officer Mr. Bali.
An interactive technical session was organized in collaboration with Subject Matter Specialists of the Department of Horticulture along with scientists of SKUAST (J) where in one to one problems were discussed with the growers. The best adjudged fruit exhibits displayed variety wise were given cash prizes and citation. The catch of the exhibits honored by declaring fruit of the show was the entry of CHILGOZA from Padder.