Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 4: The progress of ongoing infrastructure development works at Ramban potato seed development farms was today inspected by Director Agriculture Production & Farmer Welfare, Jammu, Inder Jeet.
During a tour to the area, he visited Potato Seed Development Farms, Ishkunda and Narsingha in Gool area and inspected the works taken up under NABARD.
The Director was accompanied by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Ramban, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, Potato Development Officer, Jammu, Y.S Sasan ASCO, Ramban, Shabir Mir, SDAO Gool, Gulzar Ahmad, SDAO Ramban, R. C. Pandoh and the Engineers from Executing Department.
The Director stressed on quality and timely execution of the works so that buildings and other structures are made functional as soon as possible. This will not only facilitate the timely field activities in the farm but also help to boost the production of potato, he added. It was appraised on the occasion that work is at the verge of completion which includes Inspection Hut besides, Manager Hut and Dormitory. The concerned authorities assured that completed assets shall be handed over to the Department by the end of November, 2020.
The Director instructed the Potato Development Officer to ensure maximum area coverage under crop for realizing the ultimate potential of Potato Seed production to meet the growing demand of the farmers. It was also emphasized to explore Irrigation possibilities by introducing micro-irrigation through natural gravity on the terraced farm.
Earlier, the Director Agriculture took a review meeting attended by officers and field functionaries at Ramban in which he passed on the instructions to create awareness among the farmers with respect to various technological advances and outreach to the field to improve this vital sector. Implementation and progress of various farmers’ welfare schemes were also reviewed. He stressed on diversification and adoption of Integrated Farming System through convergence of different schemes in the Vegetable Production Belt in this regard.
Inder Jeet stressed upon the need of promoting the local specialties including Solai honey, Summer Peas, Rajmash and Vegetables etc and asked for submission of concept paper on FPO formation for Walnut, Beekeeping and Rajmash in the District. Instructions were passed for achievement of physical and financial targets under CSS and CAPEX 2020-21 within one week’s time.