Batala, September 8:
An awareness camp on the plantation of fruit plants and the establishment of fruit nutrition gardens was organised at Village Shankarpura, Block Batala, District Gurdaspur. The objective of the programme was to educate farmers about scientific methods of establishing orchards, proper care of fruit plants, crop diversification, and the economic and nutritional benefits of fruit nutrition gardens. Around 35 farmers actively participated in the camp and interacted with experts.
Dr. Sarvpriya Singh, DES, Fruit Science, delivered an informative lecture on the scientific planning, layout and management of fruit orchards. He explained that the selection of fruit crops should be based on soil type, climatic conditions, availability of irrigation facilities and market demand. He also highlighted the importance of using quality planting material, maintaining appropriate plant spacing, preparing a suitable orchard layout, selecting the right planting time, and following recommended irrigation, nutrient-management and plant-protection practices. Farmers were advised to maintain proper records of orchard operations and expenses so that production costs could be assessed and the profitability of the orchard determined.
Dr. Navdeep Singh, Horticulture Development Officer, Gurdaspur, informed the farmers about various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Horticulture Department. He encouraged farmers to avail themselves of suitable horticultural development programmes and explained that such initiatives could support the establishment and expansion of orchards as well as the adoption of improved technologies. He advised farmers to contact the concerned horticulture officials for the latest information regarding eligibility criteria, financial assistance, required documents and the application process before applying for any scheme.
Dr. Narinder Deep Singh, DES, Senior Most, spoke about fruit cultivation and the economic and nutritional importance of fruit nutrition gardens. He explained that a properly planned fruit nutrition garden can provide farming families with fresh, safe and nutritious fruits throughout the year and can also reduce household expenditure on purchasing fruits. He further emphasised that appropriate crop selection, efficient use of available farm resources, balanced use of fertilisers, judicious irrigation and timely adoption of scientific management practices can reduce unnecessary expenses and improve farm profitability. He also encouraged farmers to select fruit plants according to their existing farming systems and family requirements.
During the interaction, farmers raised questions related to the selection of fruit crops, plant spacing, irrigation schedules, nutrient management, plant protection, potential income and the economics of fruit cultivation. The experts answered their queries and provided practical recommendations suited to local conditions. Farmers were encouraged to adopt diversified, scientific and resource-efficient horticultural practices and, according to their capacity and experience, to initially begin fruit plantation on a small scale and gradually expand it.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Narinder Deep Singh proposed a vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the participating farmers, progressive farmers and resource persons for their valuable contributions.
The active participation of around 35 farmers reflected the growing interest in fruit cultivation, orchard development and fruit nutrition gardens in the region.