Srinagar, Feb 23 (UNI) To give boost to agriculture sector and improve the socio-economic condition of the farming community in Kandi areas of south Kashmir, 10 places have been brought under National Watershed Development Programme for rainfed areas in the district.

An official spokesman said today that over Rs 25 lakh have been released for implementation of these projects during the current financial year, of which more than Rs 13 lakh have so far been spent on works under execution for conservation of soil and moisture under these projects.

He said a one-day training programme was organised for farmers and water shed committee members of the district here yesterday.

He added that a number of works of contour hedges with vegetative support, water harvesting tanks, roads and small bunds are under execution in these projects.

Moreover, besides afforestation, dry fruit plants have also been provided to the farmers for these rainfed areas under dry land horticulture. The experts acquainted the participants with the latest technical know how, use of seeds and fertilisers and methods of preservation of water and soil erosion.

It was stressed upon the farming community to take interest in other allied agriculture sectors like mushroom, apiculture, sheep husbandry, animal husbandry, sericulture and horticulture.

UNI