Kathua : Marking a significant milestone in the district’s agricultural landscape, the harvesting of ripened wheat crop commenced on Friday across the fence in Chak Changa village, along the Zero Line of Chandwan Border Outpost in the Hiranagar IB sector. The initiative, carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, is a result of the seamless coordination between the Agriculture Department, Border Security Force (BSF), and local farmers.
The harvesting process was formally launched by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Sanjeev Rai Gupta, along with Company Commandant BSF, Insp. Mahesh Kumar.
It marked a remarkable achievement for farmers of the border belt, who are celebrating a bumper wheat harvest this season. Expressing their gratitude, the farmers acknowledged the District Administration, Agriculture Department, and BSF for their unwavering support in ensuring security and providing essential logistical assistance.
The Agriculture Department has deployed 15 tractors and 2 combine harvesters to facilitate the swift harvesting of wheat crops sown over 350 acres across the fence during the Rabi 2024–25 season.
The initiative, which began as a pilot project in Rabi 2021–22, has now expanded significantly, with 90 farmers from villages including Chak Changa, Chak Tanda, Krol Krishna, Karol Maithrain, and Maniyari actively participating in cultivation beyond the fence.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai Gupta, stated, “Our persistent efforts, coupled with technical assistance and the security support of BSF, have resulted in a successful harvest this year. We are committed to empowering border farmers and ensuring they receive the necessary resources for sustainable agriculture. The harvesting operations will be completed in the next 2–3 days.”
A local progressive farmer, Ram Raj, shared his achievement, stating, “This season, I have reaped an impressive 240 quintals of wheat from 12 acres of cultivated land. The Agriculture Department, especially CAO Kathua, has been instrumental in guiding and supporting us from sowing to harvesting.”
The occasion was also attended by SMS Hiranagar, Tejinder Sharma, AEO Marheen, Jamshed Andotra, along with JAEOs and AEAs from the Marheen zone, who remained active in assisting farmers throughout the cultivation process.
