JAMMU: The Horticulture Department today kick-started monsoon Plantation Drive in Zone Akhnoor.

The drive took off with the ceremonial planting of a fruit sapling by Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu Rakesh Kotwal at Village Gandharwan of block Akhnoor.

The initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable horticultural development and aims to boost fruit cultivation in the region's rainfed and sub-tropical areas.

District level subject Matter Specialist Rakesh Bhagat, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) Akhnoor Virender Kumar and HDO Khour Amit Saraf were also present. The event drew enthusiastic participation from local farmers and community members, reflecting a growing awareness and interest in horticulture-based livelihood opportunities.

After the plantation drive, Kotwal addressed the farmers, sensitizing them about various Central and UT Government Sponsored Schemes being implemented by the Horticulture Department. He highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). These schemes, he explained, are specifically designed to provide financial assistance, technical know-how and market linkage support to orchardists and aspiring horticulturists.

Emphasizing the importance of adopting scientific and modern horticultural practices, Kotwal encouraged farmers in the rainfed and sub-tropical belts of Akhnoor to switch to improved cultivation techniques for fruit crops like guava, mango, citrus, and aonla-crops well-suited to local agro-climatic conditions. He called upon the farming community to actively participate in these developmental schemes to enhance productivity and profitability.

DLSMS Jammu, HDO Akhnoor and HDO Khour, also engaged with the farmers during the event, addressing their queries and providing guidance on best practices in orchard management, pest control strategies and soil health improvement measures.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from both the department and the local farming community to work collaboratively toward promoting horticulture as a sustainable and economically viable means of livelihood in the region.