Day 4 of the 1,100 km Mission Horticulture Journey began with a visit to a historical site and continued with a series of impactful engagements showcasing the transformative effects of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) in the Doda District.
Stop 1: Gupt Ganga Temple, Bhaderwah
Our journey began at the sacred Gupt Ganga Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Historical Significance:
- Believed to be a site visited by the Pandavas during their exile.
- Features Bhim’s footprint etched on a rock.
- Situated on the banks of the Neru River, the temple’s dome and structure are made entirely of stone slabs.
- Legend:
- The River Ganga is said to have appeared briefly to bless the Shiv Lingam here, giving the temple its name, Gupt Ganga (Hidden Ganga).
This serene location set a reflective tone for the day ahead.
Stop 2: District Horticulture Office, Bhaderwah
We were welcomed and honored by Shri Dhananter Singh Kotwal Ji, District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Doda, alongside:
- Shri Bharat Bhushan Pangotra, District Officer.
- Shri Rohan Kumar Bhagat, Horticulture Development Officer.
- Mr. Ajit Kotwal, Junior Assistant, and other officials from Zone Bhaderwah.
The visit highlighted the progress of HADP and MIDH schemes in fostering sustainable horticulture in the region.
Stop 3: Village Sountha, Bhaderwah
We met Mr. Girdhari Lal Ji, a farmer who applied for the P21 scheme for ultra-high-density apple orchards.
- Support Received:
- An 80% subsidy covering ₹3.6 lakh for cultivating 2 kanals of land.
This initiative is a testament to how government schemes empower farmers to adopt innovative practices.
- An 80% subsidy covering ₹3.6 lakh for cultivating 2 kanals of land.
Stop 4: Bhalla, Doda District
Welcomed by the enthusiastic horticulture team at Bhalla, including:
- Mohinder Singh Rana, HDO-Doda.
- Abid Hussain Tantray, HDO-Bhagwah.
- Asif Sharief, I/C HDO Marmat.
- Gulzar Ahmed, HTG-3rd.
- Muzamil Malik, HTG-4th.
This visit underscored the collaborative efforts of horticulture teams to implement schemes like HADP and MIDH effectively.
Stop 5: Village Seel, Doda
We interacted with Smt. Neema Devi Ji, a HADP beneficiary who constructed a water storage tank under the P15h scheme.
- Support Team:
- Shri Bharat Bhushan Pangotra, District Horticulture Officer, Doda.
- Mohinder Singh Rana, HDO-Doda.
- Abid Hussain Tantray, HDO-Bhagwah.
- Asif Sharief, I/C HDO Marmat.
- Ajit Kumar, Junior Assistant, and others.
The water storage tank is a vital asset, enhancing irrigation and enabling sustainable farming practices.
A Day of Cultural Richness and Agricultural Growth
From exploring the cultural heritage at Gupt Ganga Temple to witnessing the direct impact of horticulture schemes, Day 4 was a blend of inspiration and progress. The dedication of farmers and horticulture teams is driving Doda towards a sustainable agricultural future.
#MissionHorticulture #HADP #MIDH #HighDensityOrchards #SustainableFarming #GuptGangaTemple #BhaderwahHorticulture #InnovationInAgriculture
