The Director Agriculture Production & Farmer Welfare Jammu, Arvinder Singh Reen, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing developmental activities in the RS Pura Sub Division, today.
The visit aimed to assess the field activities and highlight the advanced farming techniques being implemented in the region.The Director was accompanied by SDAO Surinder Gupta, Subject Matter Specialists, Agriculture Extension Officers and the staff of the Sub-Division Agriculture Office, besides Ex-Sarpanch Balbir Kour.
The tour began with a demonstration of drone technology for foliar spraying of Nano Urea and Sagrika in the Panchayat Trewa area of RS Pura. Wheat crops were sown using a super seeder, and the fertilizers were precisely applied using drones, ensuring uniform distribution and minimal wastage.
Nano Urea, which enhances nitrogen use efficiency, and Sagrika, a growth-promoting fertilizer, were the key inputs. Director A.S. Reen emphasized the revolutionary approach to modern farming and the potential to improve crop yield and reduce labor costs with this technology.
"The use of drones in this demonstration is a game-changer for farmers," said Director Agriculture. "It not only highlights an innovative method for crop management but also shows how technology can reduce costs and enhance productivity in the agricultural sector."
Later, Director A.S Reen visited the Polycarbonate Structure (Nursery Unit) of Beneficiary Tilak Raj in Village Puro Bhana. This nursery, with a size of 111 sq. meters, is part of the Promotion of Commercial Floriculture (HADP) initiative.
The Director also inspected a Green Shade Net House (148 sq. meters) under the same program, where he discussed the advantages of these structures in promoting commercial floriculture in the region.
Further, the Director visited the Potato Seed Village at Arnia, where he examined the ongoing harvesting operations. He also inspected a Hi-Tech Polyhouse (500 sq. meters) under the Promotion of Exotic Vegetables (HADP), belonging to Beneficiary Raman Gupta in Village Badyal Brahmina.
Director highlighted the immense benefits of the poly house for cultivating exotic vegetables, including employment generation for local communities. Continuing his tour, Director A.S Reen visited the Micro Irrigation Unit (Drip Irrigation) of Beneficiary Rajinder Kumar in Village Badyal Brahmana, Zone Kirpind.
He underscored the importance of micro-irrigation in enhancing water use efficiency, particularly in dry and water-scarce regions. The Director also visited the exotic vegetable fields, where he inspected broccoli crops and interacted with local farmers to understand their concerns and how the Agriculture Department’s schemes have benefitted them.
The final stop of the inspection was the Round-the-Year Controlled Conditioned Mushroom Unit of Farmer Raman Gupta. Arvinder Singh Reen highlighted the advantages of controlled environmental conditions for mushroom cultivation, which ensures year-round production and improved quality.