- Chambal-Gwalior region and surrounding dists will benefit
Morena, The Department of Agricultural Research and Education has decided to establish a Horticulture College in Morena district under Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University.
The Union Finance Ministry has approved this on the initiative of Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. About 300 acres of land has also been allotted by the Madhya Pradesh State Government in Tehsil Porsa, District Morena. The establishment of this college will cost around Rs 160 crore, which will be borne by the Central Government. Tomar has expressed gratitude to the Union Finance Ministry and the State Government for this.
This college will be the first of its kind in this region. It will have graduate level studies with various departments like fruit science, vegetable science, floriculture and landscaping, plant protection, social science, natural resource management, basic science etc. Horticulture related research work will also gain momentum through this college. Besides, new employment will also be created and this college will also be helpful in increasing the income of the farmers of the area. Due to the efforts of Union Minister Tomar in Chambal-Gwalior region, many gifts have been received one after the other.
Morena belongs to the Central India Plateau and Agroecological Sub-region of the Bundelkhand Upper Region of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (IECAR).
The economy of Morena district is basically agricultural. Agriculture, horticulture and dairy are the main occupations in the district. Here, under horticulture crops, fruits like guava, lemon, mango and vegetables like potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli, cucumber etc. are grown. In Morena district, along with various spices like coriander, ginger, turmeric, chilli, fennel, garlic, flowers like marigold, rose and gaillardia are also cultivated.
Morena district is emerging as a big producer of various fruits, vegetables and flowers. Although cultivation of horticultural crops has emerged as a highly profitable enterprise in the recent decade in the area, it still accounts for only about 2.5% of the gross crop area in the district, the proposed college will contribute to the overall progress of not only Morena district, but also the Chambal-Gwalior region. It will prove to be a milestone while playing an important role.
