Kathua Farmers Embark on Horticulture Tour to Boost Income with New Crops

MLA Bharat Bhushan and Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Sharma flagged off an exposure tour for 90 horticulture farmers from Kathua. The farmers will visit progressive farms and government nurseries in Vijaypur and Samba to learn about modern crops like dragon fruit and avocado. The MLA highlighted how new techniques and government subsidies are revolutionizing the sector and attracting youth. During the event, farmers expressed enthusiasm but also raised concerns about the persistent problem of monkey attacks on their crops.

Key Points: Kathua Horticulture Farmers Tour for Latest Farming Tech

  • Exposure visit for 90 farmers
  • Learning new crops like dragon fruit & avocado
  • Government subsidies supporting sector
  • Farmers raise monkey menace concern
2 min read

Kathua MLA and Chief Horticulture Officer commence exposer visit for horticulture farmers

Kathua MLA & Horticulture Officer lead 90 farmers on an exposure visit to learn about dragon fruit, avocado, and modern techniques to increase income.

"Farmers may benefit from such a visit, gaining exposure to and knowledge of the latest Horticultural cultivation practices to enhance their income. - MLA Bharat Bhushan"

Kathua, December 31

Kathua MLA Bharat Bhushan and Chief Horticulture Officer, Kathua, Ashwani Sharma, flagged off the Horticulture farmers group on an expositional visit.

The group, comprising 90 Horticulture farmers from Kathua, Barnoti, and Hiranagar blocks, will visit the Vijaypur and Samba areas and hold discussions with progressive Horticulturists and government nurseries to gain knowledge of the latest technologies and innovations in the sector.

MLA Bhushan, congratulating on the occasion, stated that this visit will help farmers to "gain knowledge" and "enhance their income."

"In this modern age, the young Horticulturists are cultivating Dragon fruits, Avocado, Litchi and citrus fruits. Farmers may benefit from such a visit, gaining exposure to and knowledge of the latest Horticultural cultivation practices to enhance thier income," the MLA said.

Bhushan further reflected on the success of the horticulture sector and the support provided to farmers by the government.

"This sector has revolutionised significantly in the past decade. These days, we see that youth are also attracted to farming. This is due to new techniques and the utilisation of cash crops by farmers. The government is also providing subsidies on several components of the farming process, making farming accessible and affordable for farmers," he added.

Additionally, the Chief Horticulture Officer, Ashwani Sharma, informing on the visit, said that "90 young farmers are on a visit to the Government Fruit Nursery to get the latest knowledge in setting up new farms in the Horticulture sector, which helps them to get a boost in the Horticulture sector in Kandi belt areas."

The farmers expressed their happiness at moving on the exposer tour, adding that they want to start horticulture in a new way to earn their livelihoods. They further raised concerns about the menace posed by monkeys and requested a solution.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some positive news about government support for agriculture. My uncle is a farmer in Punjab and always talks about how isolated they feel. Such knowledge-sharing trips can bridge the gap between different regions. More power to these 90 farmers!
A
Ashwin V
The farmers raising the monkey menace issue is the real story here. All the new techniques are useless if crops are destroyed by animals. The government needs to provide concrete solutions for this, not just exposure visits. Subsidies for netting or community-driven protection methods are needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in agricultural development, I'm impressed to see such programs in Jammu & Kashmir. Engaging youth is key to the future of farming in India. Learning about high-value crops like litchi and citrus can truly transform local economies. Well done!
K
Karthik V
Good step, but hope this isn't just a photo-op for the MLA. The real test is whether follow-up support is provided. Setting up a new horticulture farm requires capital, continuous technical guidance, and market access. The visit is just the first step in a long journey.
M
Meera T
This is the way forward for Indian agriculture! Moving from traditional crops to cash crops with higher income potential. My father always said "kheti me ab dimag lagana padega" (farming now requires brains). Happy to see the youth involved. 🚜

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