Need to promote cultivation of fruits and vegetables

By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, FEB 10  

Principal Secretary, Haryana Agriculture Department Roshan Lal has urged the horticulture experts to devise appropriate technologies to promote cultivation of  fruits and vegetables as these provide the best option for diversification of agriculture and enhancing the income of farmers.

          He was speaking at the concluding function of two-day Horticulture Officers’ workshop hosted by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar. The officers and field functionaries of State Horticulture Department and varsity scientists discussed the present scenario of horticulture in the State and its emerging problems.

          Mr. Roshan Lal said that sufficient funds were available with the department and these could be provided to Haryana Agricultural University for undertaking research on fruits and vegetables. He said that fruits and vegetables were highly perishable and vulnerable to insects and pests and diseases as a result the farmers   suffer huge economic loss. The scientists should develop appropriate labour and cost effective post-harvest technology as well as bio-control of insects, he added.

          He also stressed on devising standards for use of green houses where protected farming could be carried out  to keep fruits and vegetables free from insects and diseases.

The Director Extension Education of the university, Dr. J.S. Dhankhar said that adhoc recommendations had been prepared on crop production, protection and post-harvest technology on the basis of deliberations of different technical sessions held during the workshop.