MD emphasises farmers’ empowerment through sustained Agriculture sector growth
Doda : Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Sandeep Kumar Saturday reviewed the progress and impact of the developmental projects of the HADP and Jammu & Kashmir Climate Innovation Programme (JKCIP) in the District Doda here at a meeting cum training programme.
The review-cum one-day training and awareness programme focused on exploring opportunities, benefits and future prospects for farmers, youth, Krishi Udyamis and agri-business entrepreneurs in the district.
The Mission Director interacted with farmers and highlighted the government’s sustained efforts to double farmers’ income through innovation, diversification and value addition.
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh; Director Horticulture, Gul Sayed; Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. Sanjay Gupta; ADDC, Roshan Lal; CPO, Manesh Kumar Manhas and Chief Agriculture Officer, Amjad Hussain Malik along with officers from the Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Departments, progressive farmers, youth and other stakeholders.
The Chief Agriculture Officer informed the meeting that around 2,500 applications have been received under JKCIP so far and appreciated the significant contribution of Krishi Udyamis in strengthening and modernising the agriculture sector. Detailed presentations were delivered on various schemes including grants under the Agro-Ecological Programme (GAP), highlighting funding patterns, eligibility criteria and implementation strategies.
Addressing the gathering, the Mission Director stressed the need for proper planning, sustained handholding and inter-departmental convergence to boost local agricultural production and promote agri-entrepreneurship. He assured farmers of adequate financial support for viable and innovative projects and encouraged stakeholders to focus on market linkages, branding, value addition and export potential of local produce such as black zeera, rajmash and other niche crops. He also reviewed agriculture losses caused by recent floods and assured that issues related to Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, approvals and credit flow would be taken up with the concerned authorities for early resolution.
During the interactive session, Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh emphasised grassroots implementation of HADP and JKCIP. He directed the Krishi Gram Guides (KGGs) to ensure maximum registration of farmers and work in close coordination with later within their respective jurisdictions.
The DC further directed Krishi Udyamis to actively facilitate farmers’ registrations and ensure adoption of HADP units for tangible on-ground benefits. He informed that each Krishi Udyami has been provided with one dedicated officer for effective coordination, monitoring and smooth implementation of projects. Farmers, youth and agri-business communities raised their genuine issues regarding inclusion under JKCIP, marketing support and infrastructure gaps.
Subsequently, the Mission Director asked the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Officers to ensure focused facilitation of applications within the prescribed five-year period, when the probability of approval remains high. He further underscored the importance of enhancing the youth club ratio in the district and urged Krishi Udyamis to actively become part of such youth-led agricultural clubs to promote innovation, peer learning and entrepreneurship.
Director Horticulture and Director Animal Husbandry highlighted various government-sponsored schemes under their respective departments and encouraged Krishi Udyamis, farmers and agri-business entrepreneurs to actively participate and avail the benefits.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve to further strengthen farmer-centric policies, youth engagement, institutional support and sustainable agri-led growth in Doda district.
