Excelsior Correspondent
![Dy CM Dr Nirmal Singh and others releasing a publication at inaugrual of two-day national seminar at SKUAST Jammu on Thursday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/page104-300x161.jpg)
JAMMU, Mar 19: Two-day national seminar on “Technology and Management of Micro-irrigation in Floriculture” began today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu at Main Campus Chatha.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh formally inaugurated the seminar, which is being organized by the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-J, in collaboration with the Department of Floriculture, Jammu, J&K Government and Division of Agricultural Engineering, SKUAST-Jammu.
Mr Singh, in his address, said that to combat the water scarcity in our country is one of the greatest challenges which has its impact on the livelihood of the farming community. The time has come to take stock of the research inputs and vision of various stake holders for identification of the knowledge gaps in formulation of the strategies for meeting the irrigation water requirements of farmers through optimum use of modern technologies, he said.
Dr Pradeep K Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J, who presided over the function, stressed that water needs to be conserved and utilized efficiently. The adoption of micro-irrigation technology in floriculture helps to increase the irrigation efficiency with the limited water resources. He also impressed upon the farmers to go for commercial floriculture utilizing all the latest know how for harnessing maximum output per unit area.
Dr Sushil Sharma, Convener of the National Seminar, highlighted the importance of micro-irrigation vis-a-vis flower cultivation.
Dr K S Risam, Director Extension, emphasized that this seminar will be very helpful to the farmers of Kandi areas of Jammu region.
K K Sharma, Director Floriculture, presented before the house the scenario of floriculture in Jammu region.
On this occasion various publications of the university viz., Abstract book, Package of practices of Flower crops, Fruit crops, Vegetable crops, Rabi/Kharif crops and Success stories of farmer entrepreneurship through KVK’s were released.
Vote of thanks was presented by Dr Sushmita M Dadhich, the organizing secretary of the seminar.