Floriculture training events held in Jammu to empower farmers

Jammu: The Department of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens organized a day-long training program for farmers at SKUAST-Jammu on Thursday. Addressing the participants, Director General Vivek Sharma highlighted the department’s vision to make floriculture a profitable venture in Jammu through modern techniques and strong support systems. The goal of the event was to promote floriculture to boost farmers’ incomes and generate employment opportunities in the valley.

On this occasion, several floriculture experts, such as Dr. Vikas Tandon, Dr. Sheetal Dogra, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, and Dr. Nomita, guided around 40 farmers on the commercial cultivation of marigolds, gladiolus, and chrysanthemums. A field visit to a hi-tech polyhouse was also conducted, where Dr. R.K. Pandey demonstrated the benefits of controlled environment farming. Deputy Director Sunil Singh educated participants on polyhouse installation, micro-irrigation, nursery development, and the cultivation of medicinal plants. The event concluded with an interactive session led by Joint Director Vikrant Sharma.

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An interactive discussion led by the Joint Director of Floriculture, Jammu, Vikrant Sharma, allowed farmers to voice their concerns and learn more about government support schemes. The program also saw participation from Joint Director (P&S) Gurneet Kour, Assistant Floriculture Officer in Charge CSS Shoukat Ali, and other officers from the department.

These initiatives show the government’s commitment to boosting floriculture in the valley. This effort will improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhance the local economy. People will take more interest in flower farming because the region has immense potential for large-scale flower cultivation. This will strengthen the economy of Jammu and Kashmir as well.