JAMMU, MARCH 20: Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta Friday reviewed the final stage works of the Centre of Excellence (COE) for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming being established at Vegetable Improvement Scheme, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo Jammu.
The Centre of Excellence (COE), as per an official statement, is being developed under the NABARD RIDF-XXX scheme with a total investment of Rs. 5.92 crore. The project features a state-of-the-art polycarbonate greenhouse covering an area of 3511 square meters.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director stated that the construction of the Centre of Excellence has been completed and the facility will be inaugurated shortly to make it operational for the farming community. He added that the Centre will soon be opened to provide advanced services to farmers across the Jammu Division.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening the agricultural sector by supplying high-quality, high-yielding vegetable and floriculture seedlings. It will also facilitate the adoption of modern and precision farming techniques, thereby enhancing productivity and improving crop quality for farmers in the region.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Anil Gupta emphasized that the Centre will serve as a platform for promoting entrepreneurship in vegetable and floriculture farming. It will equip farmers with modern tools, technical know-how and sustainable agricultural practices, enabling them to increase income and ensure long-term agricultural growth.
The project aligns with the government’s vision of promoting innovation, technology-driven agriculture, and sustainable development. The Centre will function as a hub for training, research, and development, benefitting farmers throughout the Jammu Division.
Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Aman Jyoti Sharma, Assistant Botanist, Ajit Singh, I/c COE/Floriculture Dev. Astt. Surinder Radotra along with other officers from Vegetable Improvement Scheme and staff of the Agriculture Department accompanied the Director. Representatives from other concerned agencies were also present on the occasion.
