Delegation on Clean Plant Programme for apple, walnut, and almond visits ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar

27^th January 2023, Srinagar

An expert delegation on the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) from the Asian Development Bank, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Experts from the US, and the National Horticulture Board visited the farm field, poly houses, and laboratory facilities of ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar to identify the clean plant centers here today.

Dr M K Verma Director, ICAR-CITH emphasized the role of the Institute in the development of High-Density Plantation system and the production of quality planting material in apple and other temperate fruit crops.

A stakeholder meeting was also organized at SKUAST-K, Srinagar under the chairmanship of Dr.  Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by scientists of ICAR-CITH, SKUAST-K, Srinagar, and about fifteen stakeholders involved in the import and production of QPM in these crops.  During the meeting, two projects were presented one each from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and SKUAST-K, Srinagar for strengthening the facilities at these centers to act as clean plant centres in network mode.

Expert committee interacted with stakeholders for identifying problems and needs and also create awareness about the importance of the clean plant programme.

On 28^th January expert committee also visited some private and public nurseries.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar)