JAMMU, JULY 29: A one-day training programme on Fruit Plant Orchard and Nursery Development was organised at the Advanced Centre for Horticulture Research (ACHR), Udheywalla, to enhance the technical knowledge and practical skills of trainees of the Mega Fruit Plant Nursery, Chakroi.
The programme was chaired by Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu Rakesh Kotwal, who underlined the importance of quality planting material, scientific nursery management and modern orchard development for increasing fruit production and improving farmers’ income. He encouraged the trainees to adopt innovative technologies and best horticultural practices for sustainable development of the sector.
Among those present were District Training Officer (DTO) Chakroi Virinder Kumar; District Level Subject Matter Specialists (DLSMS) Jammu Vishal Magotra and Rakesh Kumar Bhagat; MCC Shreshta Gaur; and staff members of the department.
Technical sessions were delivered by experts from SKUAST-J, including Dr Deepji Bhat (Fruit Science), Dr Reena (Entomology), Dr Vikas Abrol and Dr Piyush (Soil Science). The experts delivered detailed lectures on scientific orchard establishment, nursery raising techniques, selection of elite planting material, propagation methods, integrated nutrient management, soil health management, pest and disease management and the adoption of improved horticultural technologies.
The trainees also received practical demonstrations on nursery operations, fruit plant propagation, orchard layout and modern management practices. The interactive sessions enabled participants to clarify their technical queries and gain field-level knowledge from the experts.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, wherein the trainees thanked the Directorate of Horticulture, Jammu and the faculty of SKUAST-J for organising the programme and affirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained for strengthening fruit nursery development and promoting scientific horticulture across the region.
