Shopian Hosts Field Day-Cum-Fruit Show on Ambri Apple Conservation
Shopian, August 7 (KNS) – A pivotal event focusing on the preservation of Kashmir’s renowned Ambri apple, alongside innovative orchard management and mechanisation, unfolded today at the Ambri Apple Research Centre (AARC) in Pahnoo.
The initiative, orchestrated by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under the HADP-18 program, attracted a diverse audience.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and was attended by a host of scientists, extension experts, and enterprising orchardists, among other stakeholders.
Dr. Hamidullah, Senior Scientist at AARC, extended a warm welcome to attendees, elaborating on the Centre’s extensive research and outreach initiatives. He guided participants through both the research orchard and the accompanying fruit exhibition.
Emphasizing the importance of modern advancements, Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension at SKUAST-K, advocated for the integration of contemporary technologies, scientific canopy management, balanced nutrition, and precision orchard methodologies to elevate productivity across traditional and high-density apple orchards.
In tandem, Dr. Ashiq Hussain Pandith, Professor and Head of the Division of Fruit Science, underscored the merits of High-Density Plantation (HDP) systems, delineating the University’s approach to fostering their broader implementation among cultivators.
A highlight of the event was the live demonstration by Dr. Tariq Rasool, Professor and Principal Investigator for HADP-18, who showcased various automated mist sprayers.
He elucidated their effectiveness in enhancing spray efficiency and canopy coverage while minimizing pesticide application and labour expenditures in both traditional and high-density orchards.
Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, a distinguished agricultural writer and founder of Ziraat Times, called for intensified efforts to safeguard Kashmir’s horticultural legacy.
He accentuated the significance of preserving indigenous apple varieties, particularly the famed Ambri apple, and proposed a comprehensive “Virasat Revival” initiative aimed at the conservation of the region’s rich horticultural heritage.
In his address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie extolled the exceptional quality and historical significance of the Ambri apple, advocating for strategic orchard management, efficient pollination, and judicious pesticide practices to yield high-quality, export-ready apples.
He also inaugurated the Fruit Show, highlighting elite apple cultivars, promising selections, and an array of technical literature developed by SKUAST-K.
The interactive session facilitated a platform for farmers to seek expert guidance on various topics, including disease management, orchard mechanisation, production techniques, and marketing strategies, subsequently strengthening the vital nexus between research and practical horticultural applications.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Scientist at AARC Pahnoo, expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, scientists, participating farmers, and all contributors, acknowledging their roles in the event’s successful execution. (KNS)
Source link: Knskashmir.com.
