JAMMU, OCTOBER 27: The Department of Horticulture today organised an awareness camp for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers here at Panchayat Kamore Ramgarh (Samba) . The event was held under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Scheme 2026–27.
MLA Ramgarh Dr. Davinder Kumar Manyal was the Chief Guest, while Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Syed, attended as the Guest of Honour. The Director was accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Samba Anil Gorkha; Subject Matter Specialist Raivati Raman Sharma; Assistant Director Sunil Gupta; Horticulture Development Officers and other officers and officials of the Horticulture Department.
Representatives from various departments of the District and KVK Samba also participated in the programme and contributed to the awareness activities. The farmers were sensitised to various departmental schemes and the potential of high-value horticultural crops, particularly strawberry, dragon fruit and citrus. Detailed discussions were held on modern cultivation practices, plantation techniques, crop management and the use of modern horticultural machinery to enhance productivity and reduce labour costs.
The functionaries from the participating departments and KVK shared with the farmers relevant technical information and guidance to promote scientific farming practices and crop diversification. The programme aimed to empower SC/ST farmers by encouraging them to cultivate cash crops such as strawberries, dragon fruit and citrus fruits. The camp also highlighted the importance of government assistance and subsidy provisions available under MIDH for eligible farmers. The scheme provides financial assistance for different horticultural activities, including the establishment of orchards and the adoption of improved cultivation technologies, subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility criteria. Special emphasis was laid on creating awareness among SC/ST, small and marginal farmers regarding the benefits of departmental schemes to facilitate horticultural development and modernisation.
The officers and representatives interacted with the participating farmers and encouraged them to avail themselves of the benefits available under MIDH and other departmental schemes. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable horticultural practices, diversify farming activities, enhance farmers’ income and strengthen the overall development of horticulture in District Samba.
