ICAR experts guide Kashmir grape growers on modern cultivation techniques

Ganderbal, Nov 17: The ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG), Pune, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, organised a special training programme on "Production and Protection of Grapes in Kashmir & Ladakh Region" at Model Vineyard Kralbagh Lar, Ganderbal.

Over 100 grape growers from Ganderbal district and Ladakh UT participated in the programme, which focused on grape cultivation techniques for sub-tropical and temperate regions of Kashmir.

Dr Kaushik Banerjee, Director ICAR-NRCG Pune, Dr. MK Verma, Director CITH, and Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Director Horticulture Kashmir, were among the key dignitaries present. Horticulture Development Officer Tej Bahadur Singh of Model Vineyard Kralbagh also attended the event.

Dr Sujoy Saha, Principal Scientist ICAR-NRCG Pune, educated farmers about biointensive management of Powdery Mildew, while Dr. Sharmistha Naik, Scientist ICAR-NRCG, demonstrated grape pruning techniques, raisin preparation, and emphasized the importance of virus-free planting material.

The organisers distributed safety kits among farmers and released a technical bulletin on biointensive grape cultivation, promoting biological methods while minimizing agrochemical inputs.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sharmistha Naik.