Srinagar: The Director Agriculture Kashmir Thursday kick started High Density planting of saffron corms in Shaar Shali Pampore.
The high density planting of corms is done by planting good quality corms of more than 6 grams and by keeping plant population of 120 corms per sq Mtr which aims at increasing the productivity, production and good quality of saffron.
Pertinent to mention that National Saffron Mission Project worth Rs. 400 crore has been sanctioned by Government of India for revival of saffron crop in J&K, which was started in the year 2010 and is in the final year of its completion, under which 3715 hectare of land is covered under the mission and upto financial year 2016-17. Officials said 2215 hectare has been rejuvenated so far and the remaining area is the target for rejuvenation for the year 2017-18 and has to be brought under sprinkle irrigation system.
Director Agriculture emphasised upon the officers to gear-up and increase the pace of work for starting rejuvenation. He asked the field officers to work in co-ordination with Mechanical Engineering Department for speeding up of the laying of Sprinkle Irrigation System in saffron fields.
Director also inspected the pace of work at Saffron Park Dassu, which is a high technology park going to be commissioned next month at a cost of Rs. 37 crore.
Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama, Nodal Officer Saffron Mission and other field officers were accompanied to Director during the field visit to area.
