Srinagar: Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura Thursday formally launched “Sankalp Se Siddhi” program in the State.
“Sankalp Se Siddhi” program initiated by Central Agricultural Ministry is aimed to help lower income groups especially poor farmers to double their income by the year 2022.
Speaking during a program organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganderbal, the Agriculture Minister stressed upon the importance of development of new technologies to improve the productivity of crops for doubling the farmers’ income.
He said State Government is committed to double farmers income by 2022. He directed the concerned officers to set annual targets and make strenuous efforts to achieve the same.
Hanjura said organizing seminars, awareness camps, kisan melas and conferences should be regularly conducted. He stressed on the need for educating the farmers about benefits of organic farming and updating them about latest technological advancements in farming sector.
He said organic farming require less investment for cultivation but are much more profitable than conventionally grown crops.
The Minister also stressed on the need for adopting cluster approach and developing model villages for Mushkbudji Rice, Basmati, Rajmash, Apiculture, Apple and other area specific crops.
He further said comprehensive Agriculture Policy is the priority of the Government and concerted efforts are being made to realize dream of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
The Minister said Pradhan Mantra Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) has been implemented in the State under which the government targets to provide sufficient water for irrigation to every field (Har Khet Ko Paani).
The Agriculture Minister said Agriculture scientists, Agriculture department should work in close co-ordination so that new agricultural schemes and programs would reach to farmers.
The Minister also directed the Agricultural scientists not to confine their work in universities but should conduct regular visits in agricultural fields.
Hanjura said efforts of the State Government is to make agricultural department a vibrant department. He said state government has regularized the services of Rehbar-e-Zirat with the purpose their services would benefit the farmers in rural and far flung area of the State.
