Aasif Malik
Handwara In Kashmir valley where apple cultivation is done on a large scale, farmers are also focusing on the cultivation of non-traditional fruits like Kiwi. Although till now kiwi was cultivated as a hobby in the valley, now it is possible to grow this fruit on a commercial level as well. There is a lot of potential in the cultivation of Kiwi fruit in the valley that will bring double benefits to the farmers. With an aim to promote the idea of Kiwi cultivation among the farming community especially of Upper Rajwar, a Skill Development Workshop on Kiwi Cultivation was organised by Bhagatpura Army Camp at Badkut on 20 Jan 23. A total of 45 people mainly from Bhagatpura, Badkut, Handwara and upper Rajwar attended the workshop. The workshop commenced with a guest lecture by Dr Khursheed Habib, HDO Handwara on ”Modern Farming Techniques and importance of Kiwi Cultivation”. It was followed by a lecture on “Scientific Practices” by Dr Shazia Hasan, HDO Chogul. Topics including soil requirements and climate, land preparation, plantation, cold protection, fertiliser requirements, kiwi pruning, irrigation, harvesting and marketing were covered in detail. The workshop concluded with a demonstration and a video presentation on cultivation of kiwi.