17/12/2024
*Educational Exposure Tour to ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) in Srinagar
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Today On December 17, 2024, the Secondary Wing of PM SHRI, Govt. Girls High School Rajpora, Kupwara embarked on an enriching educational exposure tour to the esteemed ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This premier institute, established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), plays a pivotal role in advancing research and development in temperate horticulture across the Himalayan region. The objective of this tour was to provide students with a firsthand understanding of modern horticultural practices, cutting-edge research, and the diverse range of temperate crops cultivated in the region.
The students departed from the school premises at 9:00 AM in A-class video coaches and arrived at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, at 12:00 PM.
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Upon arrival, the esteemed faculty and scientists warmly welcomed the students and staff and took them directly to a conference hall where a comprehensive presentation was delivered highlighting CITH's Mission which is to harness the vast potential of temperate horticultural crops in the region through research and development.
* :* After the expert session in the conference hall, the students were divided into two groups, each guided by eminent scientists and agricultural experts. They visited state-of-the-art laboratories, including:
* *: Observed advanced techniques in plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, and molecular biology, including micropropagation, gene editing, and marker-assisted selection.
* *: Witnessed the process of micropropagation for various fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and plum, to produce disease-free and high-quality planting material.
* :* Learned about fruit grading, sorting, and packaging techniques, as well as post-harvest treatments to enhance fruit quality and shelf life.
* :* After the exploration of the research and development laboratories the groups were then taken on a guided tour of the institute's experimental fields and orchards, where they observed:
* *: Examined diverse apple cultivars, including high-density plantings, integrated pest management strategies, and the impact of climate change on fruit production.
* :* Observed different walnut varieties, grafting techniques, and the importance of pollinators for fruit set.
* :* Explored the cultivation of hazelnut, chestnut, plum, kiwi, apricot, and blackberry, including their unique cultural requirements and challenges.
* :* Observed various vegetables, including Mathi (a local variety of turnip), coriander, different types of cabbage, and olive plants, along with their cultivation practices and pest control measures.
* :* Witnessed the cultivation of saffron, a valuable and unique crop of the region, and learned about its harvesting and processing methods.
: Throughout the tour, the scientists provided detailed explanations on:
Temperate crop cultivation practices, including soil preparation, irrigation, and fertilization.
Hybrid breeding techniques to develop improved varieties with enhanced yield, quality, and disease resistance.
Vegetative propagation methods, such as grafting, budding, and layering, for efficient and rapid multiplication of fruit trees.
Crop requirements, including climate, soil, and water needs, and the impact of climate change on crop production.
Post-harvest handling and storage techniques to minimize losses and maintain fruit quality during transportation and marketing.
Refreshments: In addition to lunch, light refreshments were provided to the students throughout the day.
: The students departed from ICAR-CITH at 5:00 PM and safely returned to their homes after a few hours.
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This educational tour provided students with invaluable learning experiences:
* :* Students gained firsthand knowledge of modern horticultural practices and cutting-edge research methodologies employed at a premier research institution.
* :* They developed a deeper understanding of temperate crops, their cultivation, and the challenges faced by horticulturists in the region.
* :* The tour may have sparked an interest in agricultural sciences and inspired students to pursue careers in research, development, and extension in the field of horticulture.
*Interpersonal Skills:* Students had the opportunity to interact with renowned scientists and researchers, enhancing their communication and interpersonal skills.
* *: The tour fostered an appreciation for the diversity of plant life and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for food security and environmental conservation.
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The educational exposure tour to ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, proved to be a highly productive and enriching experience for all participants. The students returned with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed enthusiasm for learning about agriculture and the environment. This valuable experience will undoubtedly inspire them to become responsible citizens and contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
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The school would like to express its sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, for their warm hospitality, insightful presentations, and valuable guidance throughout the tour.
Altaf Ahmad Bhat
School Nodal officer for PM SHRI
Govt. Girls HS Rajpora
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture
Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar
CEO's Office Kupwara
Education Zone Rajwar-Kupwara
