Centers of Excellence Play a Vital Role in Teaching Modern Farming Techniques — Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture

Jaipur : Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture, Mr. Rajan Vishal, visited the seed processing center of Rajasthan State Seed Corporation, Rajasthan Olive Cultivation Center, Pomegranate Center of Excellence, and Rajhans Nursery located in Dhandhol (Bassi), Jaipur, on Thursday.

The Secretary inspected the shade net houses, polyhouses, nursery blocks, mother tree blocks, and automation units at the centers. He gathered detailed information about the plants and vegetables being cultivated and studied nursery models from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, suggesting necessary improvements considering Rajasthan’s climatic conditions. He also directed officials to maximize rainwater harvesting after assessing water availability and quality at the centers.

Mr. Vishal emphasized that these centers have immense potential. He stated that they play a crucial role in providing training for advanced horticulture production and teaching modern farming techniques. The “Centers of Excellence” significantly contribute to increasing farmers’ incomes.

During his visit to the Pomegranate Center of Excellence, he highlighted its key role in transferring agricultural technology to farmers. This includes establishing pomegranate orchards, cultivating advanced varieties, irrigation and nutrient management, intensive horticulture, and grading and packaging.

At the Center of Excellence in Dhandhol, he reviewed various activities, including papaya, fig, strawberry, colorful bell pepper, and flower farming (gerbera and carnation) in protected houses. He also inspected organic certification for cherry tomatoes, dragon fruit, and exotic leafy vegetables such as basil, lettuce, celery, parsley, and pak choi, along with open-field cultivation of vegetables like zucchini, chappal gourd, cauliflower, broccoli, chili, and cabbage. He expressed satisfaction with the training being provided to farmers on modern techniques like micro-irrigation and mulching, which help conserve water.

The Secretary also visited the olive farm and inspected a factory producing tea and other products from olive leaves. He gained comprehensive knowledge of the tea and products manufactured there.

Department officials at the Center of Excellence shared that farmers receive training on various aspects of pomegranate cultivation, including growth, treatment, water management, fertigation, and pest control. High-quality pomegranate plants of Bhagwa Super, Bhagwa Mridula, and Wonderful varieties have been planted at the center. These plants are produced and distributed to farmers, along with training sessions on agricultural techniques.

The event was attended by Horticulture Commissioner Mr. Suresh Kumar Ola, Additional Agriculture Director Mr. Surendra Singh Shekhawat, Director of Rajasthan State Organic Certification Institution Mr. K.C. Meena, General Manager of Rajasthan State Seed Corporation Mr. Ramlal Meena, and other departmental officials.