MARCH 11:The work on the Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming officially began today with a groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Poojan) at the Vegetable Improvement Scheme – Krishi Bhawan Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo. The ceremony was performed by the Director of Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen, marking the commencement of a significant agricultural initiative aimed at enhancing farming practices in the region.
The Centre of Excellence is being established under the NABARD RIDF-XXX scheme, with an investment of ₹5.92 Crore. It will feature a state-of-the-art polycarbonate greenhouse covering an area of 3511 square meters. The construction work for the Centre is being executed by JK Agro, and the facility is expected to be completed within the next six months. This Centre will serve as a key infrastructure for the advancement of precision vegetable and floriculture farming in the Jammu Division.
The Centre of Excellence aims to play a pivotal role in boosting agricultural capabilities in the region by providing high-quality, high-yielding vegetable and floriculture seedlings to farmers across Jammu. This initiative will introduce farmers to advanced farming techniques, significantly enhancing crop productivity and improving the quality of produce. It will also help farmers gain access to modern agricultural practices, which will ultimately contribute to the economic growth of the local farming community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen, highlighted that the Centre of Excellence will not only provide high-quality seedlings but will also offer farmers the necessary tools, knowledge, and training to excel in precision farming. He emphasized that the facility would foster entrepreneurship in the vegetable and floriculture sectors, empowering farmers to adopt modern farming practices and sustainable agricultural solutions.
This project aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable economic growth for farmers. The Centre will serve as a hub for training, research, and development, offering expertise and resources to help farmers in the Jammu Division improve their farming practices. Through this initiative, the government is reinforcing its commitment to integrating innovation, technology, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
The Bhoomi Poojan ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Satish Sharma, Deputy Director (Central) Jammu Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu Vikas Padha, Divisional Manager (P&S Jammu) Er. A.H Salaria, and other officials from the agriculture department. Representatives from JK Agro and concerned authorities were also present at the event, marking the start of a new chapter for agriculture in Jammu.
