GANDERBAL, JUNE 10: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal, today conducted an extensive tour of Pati Shallabugh village which is established as Organic Village by Agriculture department.
The DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Baba, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Tehsildar Tulmulla besides other officials of the department.
During the visit the DC inspected the pesticides free farm site comprising of 73 hectors of land on which organic vegetable farming is done, which has been established by Agriculture department in 2017-18.
Chief Agriculture Officer informed the DC that farmers are emphasized on techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, mixed cropping and Biological pest control.
He also informed that organic standards are designed to allow the use of naturally occurring substances while prohibiting or strictly limiting synthetic substances.
The DC was informed that 153 FOF (Farm Operating Families) are involved in this programme. He was also informed that agriculture department has provided various incentives to these farmers including a polyhouse, vermi compost pits, Irrigation pump sets, Bio-fertilizers etc.
The DC on the occasion interacted with the farmers and urged upon them to ensure use only organic fertilizers so that the target of making this farm site free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides which is also ultimate desired result of the scheme.
On the occasion the DC was overwhelmed after seeing the lush green fields around and appreciated the farmers and department for taking such initiative which will be game changers not only in boosting the economy in the areas but also generates the employment to the local populace.
To boost sales and build repeat customers, the DC exhorted the CAO to prepare vital facts about organic food that consumers need to know. He also suggested him to identify few shops in the district which are certified by the department as organic produce shop.
