Dir Agri (J) calls for promoting cultivation of pulses

Jammu: Director Agriculture Jammu Hari Krishan Razdan, accompanied by team of officers, Thursday chaired a meeting here at Majalata to take stock of the progress made under various Farmers’ welfare schemes in the zone and to review the punctuality and working of the staff.
The Director stressed on the importance of Pulse Development Program which is aimed at increasing production of pulses through area expansion and productivity enhancement; restoring soil fertility; creating employment opportunities; and enhancing farm level economy.
Being an issue of National importance, Razdan directed the staff to work with mission mode for identification of area for coverage under pulse crops like mash, moog, soybean, gram or peas etc and submit the survey reports immediately in this regard.
Interacting with the farmers, Razdan asked them to diversify their farming through apiculture, mushroom growing, seed production, vegetable cultivation, oilseed and pulse production to achieve the goal of doubling the farmer’s income by 2022. He also advised them to spare at least some land for pulse cultivation as it will fetch them good returns.
The Director also appreciated the work culture and team spirit of the staff and directed to keep themselves updated with the latest guidelines and norms of various programs.
Others present on occasion were R. L. Bhagat, Joint Director of Agriculture Extension, Jammu, Jagmohan Bhat, District Officer, Ashok Verma, District Agriculture officer (Inputs) Udampur, Ajay Kumar Sharma, District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Udampur, Rakesh Khajuria, SMS (DL), Darshan Sharma, AEO Majalata and JAEOs and AEAs of the zone Majalata.