Jammu, June 2:
Farmers in Jammu region are now increasingly shifting from traditional farming to High Density Plantation (HDP) of litchi. Due to better production and possibility of higher income, this farming is becoming popular among the farmers.
According to the department, farmers adopting HDP technology can earn an income of Rs 24,000 to Rs 30,000 annually from one kanal of land.
In view of this, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has set a target of converting more than 3,200 kanals of traditional litchi plantations into high density plantations in the coming years.
Director of Horticulture Jammu Gul Syed said that litchi is not only proving to be a profitable crop for the farmers, but is also very important from the point of view of nutrition. It contains vitamin-C, potassium, natural sugars and many micronutrients.
He said that the government is providing up to 50 percent subsidy to the farmers under various schemes to increase the cultivation of litchi. In addition, quality plants, technical guidance and marketing support are also being provided.
Litchi plantations are expanding rapidly due to better irrigation facilities in areas like Marah and RS Pura, including the outskirts of Jammu city. The department is also imparting training to farmers in scientific farming, orchard management, pruning and high density plantation techniques. Officials say that these efforts are aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector and increasing the income of farmers.