Srinagar, Aug 22: The replanting of saffron corms as per latest scientific package of practices envisaged by ‘National Saffron Mission’ has started in traditional saffron growing areas of Pulwama, Budgam and Srinagar districts.
 Dr Farooq A Lone, Director Agriculture Kashmir accompanied by Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama and other officers of the department Sunday visited various saffron growing areas of Gundbal, Wuyan, Indrosa and Frestabal to monitor replanting of saffron corms.
 During visit it was found that saffron growers are quite enthusiastic and the digging of corms, grading, chemical treatment with recommended fungicides and replanting of the corms as per the latest technology was in full swing.
 The field functionaries of the department were imparting guidance to the growers in their fields.
 While interacting with farmers at various places, the  director impressed them to adopt modern and scientific technology to boost production and productivity of saffron.
 The farmers were advised to strictly adhere to the technical advice given by field functionaries. 
 Emphasis was laid on maintaining spacing and proper corm size free from diseases so that optimum yields could be realized.
 Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama informed the director that out of the targeted area of 3200 hectares under mission, about 500 hectares shall be brought under rejuvenation /replanting of corms during the current year of which about 20 hectares have already been covered during the last few days.
 In order to achieve the targets, nearly 200 officials have been deployed to keep vigil for successful implementation of programme.
 The department is providing about 700 quintal urea, 660 quintal DAP, 415 quintal MOP and 2500 quintal Vermi compost, 25 quintal Mencozeb and 8 quintal Carbendizim during the season to the farming community under the mission in Pampore.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST