G S Asgotra
Early Times Report
Jammu, May 20: Contrary to tall claims of Horticulture department of taking necessary steps to increase horticulture produce in state, an orchard of citrus fruit in Hirnagar is dying slow death, due to want of water.
Nearly 250 plants are turning pale, as mercury is rising but Horticulture department, has failed to provide promised help under a government scheme, under which the farmer had invested his labour force and hard earned money.
A farmer of village-Ghara of Tehsil, Hiranagar Kathua had developed an orchard of around 250 citrus plants (Lemon plants) by spending nearly Rs. 25,000 on plants and labour while Rs. 35,000, he spent on developing a pond under a scheme of Horticulture department.
Ram Paul Dogra the aggrieved farmer informed Early Times that Horticulture department had encouraged him to establish orchard of lemon plant in 40 kanals of lands, and also promised to provide water facilities in Kandi belt of Hiranagar either by bore well or ponds but after plantation, he repeatedly approached officials regarding water facility but to no avail.
He further said that owing to lackadaisical approach of the department, the peak summer season was diminishing lemon orchard which was established few month back and the department concerned was unbothered about it, adding, "Firstly, they encouraged me to establish orchard of lemon and then made empty recurring over availability of water", he said.
Narrating his misery, he said that he developed ponds at the cost of Rs. 35,000 but now the department was not refunding his money as assured, adding, "But pond will have water only after monsoon", he said. An employee, wishing anonymity said that owing to irresponsible behavior of the official concerned, the farmers of adjoining area will not trust the department.
Chief Horticulture Officer, Kathua, Sardar Tarvinder Singh said that the farmer should submit his file in the concerned office Hiranagar.
He assured all the possible help to save the lemon orchard.
In reply to query, he said, "The bore well will be dug up within days so that plants could be saved". |
