Enthusiastic Farmers throng SKUAST-Jammu Kisan Mela

JAMMU, MARCH 17: Enthusiastic Farmers in large numbers are thronging   the Kissan Mela organized 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 the chief guest and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, B.M. Sharma was a 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 beside it will improve the quality of clean air.

Speaking at the flower show, Suresh Chugh suggested the farmers to opt for 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 around the year, especially during functions and ceremonies.

In addition to the flower shows, 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, the 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. A cultural programme was also organized during Kisan Goshti where local artists of Jammu mesmerized the audience with their performance. In rural sports, a volleyball match of farmers was organized. Besides, schoolgirls and farmers enthusiastically participated in the tug of war and 100m race.