JAMMU, OCTOBER 17: Experts from CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CAD today conducted a joint visit to various sites of the Patyari Cluster under the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (MCADWM) scheme.
The visit was undertaken under the supervision and directions of the Director Command Area Development Project Jammu Pankaj Magotra to explore the feasibility of cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants in the Patyari Cluster and obtain expert recommendations on suitable crop options based on the prevailing agro-climatic conditions.
The expert team deputed by the Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, consisted of Principal Scientist (Soil Science) Dr. Rajendra Bhanwaria; Principal Technical Officer (Agronomy) Dr. Siya Ram Meena and Project Associate-I (Soil Science) Mahnaz. The team was accompanied by District Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs), S. Sukhbir Singh and Pankaj Verma, along with SCA Rajeev Kumar from CAD Jammu.
During the visit, the team interacted with local farmers to understand their agricultural practices and field-level requirements. Soil samples were also collected from different locations for laboratory analysis to assess their suitability for the proposed cultivation.
The CSIR-IIIM team shall submit a detailed report to the Directorate of CAD Jammu after receipt and analysis of the soil sample reports. The findings and expert recommendations will help identify suitable medicinal and aromatic plant species and formulate a viable cultivation strategy for crop diversification and enhancement of farmers’ income under the MCADWM scheme.
