Srinagar, Aug 31: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah today kick-started the sowing of Rabi season seeds at the Kitchen Garden, Lalmandi Srinagar, marking the commencement of the department’s Rabi cultivation activities for the season.

Deputy Director, Central Kashmir, Qazi Showkat, Seed Production Officer Showkat Mughal and Deputy Director Planning, Javaid Ahmad Shah accompanied the Director Agriculture Kashmir during the programme.
During the programme, the Director participated in the sowing of Rabi crops and took stock of the preparations being undertaken at the Kitchen Garden for the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of timely sowing, use of quality seed and adoption of recommended agronomic practices to ensure healthy crop growth and better productivity.
The Director stressed that Kitchen Gardens play an important role in demonstrating improved cultivation practices and encouraging farmers and the general public to adopt vegetable cultivation for nutritional security as well as additional income generation.
He directed the concerned officers and field functionaries to ensure that all necessary arrangements for Rabi cultivation are put in place well in advance and that farmers are adequately sensitized about suitable varieties, sowing schedules and scientific crop management practices.
Seed Production Officer Srinagar briefed the Director regarding various initiatives taken by the Department for the effective utilization of the different resources at Seed Multiplication Farms across Kashmir, for optimum production of seed and seedlings.
The Director appreciated the efforts of the concerned staff and called for continued focus on demonstration-based extension activities so that the latest agricultural technologies and best practices reach farmers effectively.