Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu organized training programme on “Commercial floriculture” here today at KVK, Reasi Reasi campus which was enthusiastically attended by the number of floriculturists and aspiring entrepreneurs of the distt. The programme was organised under the ARYA (Attracting and Retaining Youths in Agriculture) project. All SOPs pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic were strictly followed while conducting the programme. The programme was organised under the dynamic stewardship of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof.JP Sharma and able guidance of Director Extension, Prof.SK Gupta of SKUAST-J. Dr. Banarsi Lal, Scientist &Head of KVK, Reasi started the programme with the warm welcome of the participants. He briefed the objectives of the ARYA project and discussed on the agri-entrepreneurship development among the rural youths. He said that ARYA project is an opportunity for the youths to showcase their creativity through agri-entrepreneurship. He spoke in detail on the significance of commercial floriculture to enhance the income and employment of rural youths of hilly areas. He motivated the trainees for commercial floriculture and guided them about the scientific cultivation of marigold. He also guided them on Integrated Nutrient Management in marigold and guided them about the balance doses of fertilizers/manures required in marigold crop. He also guided rural youths on the value addition in floriculture and said that it can open some new avenues of income and employment among the rural youths of the area. He also guided farmers on gladiolus, chrysytemum rose and gerbera farming and discussed the marketing management practices for floriculture. Dr.Suja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist guided the participants on nursery raising techniques, Integrated Pest and Disease Management in floriculture. He motivated the rural youths by exemplifying the successful agro-entrepreneurs in the area and encouraged them for scientific farming. He said that rural youths can generate more income and employment by commercial farming of floral crops. He discussed on the climate resilient agriculture and encouraged the rural youths for commercial farming of marigold. Rural youths thanked KVK scientists for organizing the useful training programmes especially for the rural youths of the area. Rural youths also visited the technological units of KVK, Reasi and were highly impressed by observing the technologies demonstrated by KVK, Reasi. In this programme, participants asked certain quarries which KVK scientists answered in a satisfactorily way. During the programme quality knapsack sprayers were also distributed to the rural youths. The programme was assisted by Sh.Manohar Lal and Sh.Sanjay Kumar and concluded by Dr.Banarsi Lal with formal vote of thanks.
