Mega agri awareness camp held at Thanamandi

Rajouri, June 23: Pahari Development Foundation (NGO) in collaboration with Horticulture department, district Rajouri organized mega awareness cum training camp at Thanamandi, here today. The camp was aimed at sensitizing the farmers about the horticulture potential available in the area and its systematic tapping for boosting the local economy.

A large number of progressive farmers of the town and its adjoining villages participated in the day long function that was presided over by the President of the NGO, Dr Ghulam Ahmad Dar while the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jaipal Singh was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dar announced that his NGO will undertake top- working of all wild pear plants in the frontier district with high yielding exotic varieties. The step, he said will considerably improve pear productivity in the district besides generating 1.6 lakh man days annually.

The programme will be taken up during January- February, 2010, the president of the NGO said, advising farmers of the area to register with the Thanamandi office of the organization for the purpose. The move, he said is estimated to increase the farmer’s income by a whopping Rs 30 crore annually.

The DDC, in his speech praised the endeavors of the NGO in modernization of the orchard- farming in Rajouri district and assured full co-operation in its mission to uplift the economy of farmers. He said districts like Rajouri need collaborative efforts of the NGOs in catapulting the agriculture economy to catch up with other areas of the state.

Many agriculture implements and hybrid seeds worth Rs. 6 lakh were distributed among the farmers and members on the occasion under Food and Agriculture organization- funded Telefood project. Besides agriculture experts, many prominent citizens of the area also spoke on the occasion and shared their ideas and experiences.