Enthusiastic Farmers throng SKUAST-Jammu Kisan Mela

Jammu : Enthusiastic Farmers in large numbers are thronging the Kissan Mela organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Jammu
The second day of Kissan Mela was marked by an impressive flower show at the main campus Chatha of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu.Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Board, Suresh Chugh, was chief guest and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, B.M. Sharma, was guest of honour.Around 300 entries of different flowers, succulents, pot plants, bonsais and cacti were displayed by different nurserymen of Jammu and Kashmir.A large number of farmers also participated in the show. The objective of the flower show was to motivate the farmers to adopt flower cultivation for diversification of agriculture and develop a hobby among people to grow different flowers and succulents in their homes.This will add to the aesthetic value of their homes besides it will improve quality of clean air.Speaking at the flower show, Suresh Chugh suggested the farmers to opt floriculture as this sector has immense scope in UT of J&K.
He further said that Jammu is the city of temples and as such marigold has great demand throughout the year. It is a cash crop and returns are high. He suggested that farmers should also grow rose, gladiolus, chrysanthemum, gerbera and tuberose as these ornamental plants are in great demand round the year especially during functions and ceremonies.In addition to flower show, other events of the day were farmers-scientists interaction, Kisan Goshti, field visits, passport mela and rural sports.During Kissan Goshti, lectures on improved technologies of agriculture and allied sectors were delivered by the experts. Also, during farmers-scientists interaction, queries of the farmers were satisfied by the scientists.The farmers also got firsthand experience of field crops during their visit to different field crop experimental plots at the University farm. Cultural programme was also organized during Kisan Goshti where local artists of Jammu mesmerized the audience by their performance. In rural sports, a volley ball match of farmers was organized. Besides, school girls and farmers enthusiastically participated in tug of war and 100m race.