Horticulture Dept. Kargil organizes training camp on canopy management

Kargil, March 14, 2023:

Department of Horticulture Kargil in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) today organized a training-cum-awareness camp for canopy management at three different locations/villages of Kargil.

Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil, Ali Raza, senior expert/retired Joint Director Department of Horticulture Kashmir, Manzoor Ahmad, Horticulture Development Officer Kargil, other staff of the Horticulture Department, farmers and locals participated in the training camp.

The training was aimed to impart awareness among farmers, owners of orchards and local field workers regarding the pruning of trees and canopy management of plants for maintaining plant health and better fruit production.

The team also visited high-density orchard Sailskot where more than 100 people participated and gained knowledge of canopy management. Practical exercises and demonstrations were also held on pruning at Sailskot, Tresspone and Shilikchey.

The training highlighted the basic training practices as well as pruning practices to bring young fruit-bearing plants to proper shape for better penetration of sunlight and air.

This was followed by on-farm demonstration of canopy management in the farm. Field workers and farmers in the orchards were asked to demonstrate the technique of canopy management.

Speaking on the occasion Senior Expert Manzoor Ahmad said the basic concept in canopy management of a tree is to make the best use of the land, climatic factors for increased productivity in a three-dimensional approach. He said tree vigour, light, temperature, good soil health and humidity play a pivotal role in the production and quality of fruits.

He said the major objective is to achieve maximum productivity in the shortest period without adversely affecting tree health. He also stressed for organic fruit production keeping in view the current global trend.