Nauni/Solan: Scientists at the Solan based Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF) are not only aiding farmers of the state, but also providing valuable inputs for improving farming in other states as well. Latest today seven-member group from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) finished their five-day training programme on Floriculture at the university campus.
All the seven participants are presently working as Assistant Floriculture Officers in the J&K Government’s Department of Floriculture with a majority of the group working to maintain some of the most prestigious gardens in their state including Tulip Garden and Mughal Gardens.
The Directorate of Extension Education at UHF, has in the past too conducted training programs for the employees of the same department. In October, an eight-member group, consisting of two officers and six gardeners, had undergone a training in floriculture. Rajesh Bhalla, Joint Director (Training), UHF Nauni said
“The purpose of this training is to expose the officers to the latest techniques in commercial floriculture and share the knowledge with the people making a living out of the field,”
The training focused on imparting knowledge on cultivation of Lilium, Daffodils, Gerbera and Carnation. Even though these flowers are being commercially cultivated in both states, the same was yet to fully pick up in J& K. Through farm practical’s and lectures, participants were also taught about soil analysis, post-harvest production techniques, fertilizers, pests and diseases associated with each crop.
Speaking about the training, one participant Shakeel Ahmad said, “The idea behind the training is to learn the best techniques and advancements made in the field and pass on this knowledge to popularize commercial flower cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
