ICAR-NRCG signs MoU to expand grape cultivation in Kashmir

Kashmir: Kashmir is known for its apple farming, but now all efforts are being made to promote grape cultivation in non-traditional areas to accelerate its productivity. The ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes (ICAR-NRCG) has left no stone unturned in the expansion of grape cultivation in the Kashmir Valley. Therefore, a team of experts from ICAR-NRCG, led by Director Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, went to witness grape plantation sites in Ganderbal and Baramulla districts.

The team reviewed plantations established with planting material supplied by the institute and found encouraging results. At the Centre of Excellence in Zawoora, under the Department of Horticulture, Kashmir Division, over 90% of grape plants were successfully established.

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To make the future collaboration more potent, ICAR-NRCG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Horticulture, Kashmir Division, recently. This MoU is set to promote grape cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir, creating job opportunities for the locals and increasing their incomes as well.

The team also visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), where a new grape demonstration block was added under the AICRP-Fruits (Grapes) programme. This block will be used to produce healthy planting material and support ongoing research and expansion in the region.

This initiative by ICAR-NRCG has given a ray of hope to the people of the valley. With the effort of both organizations, diverse horticulture will get a promotion in the entire region, and with the introduction of valuable fruit like grapes, the economic condition of the local people will be strengthened, and so will the economy of the Union Territory.