Dulloo directs implementing agencies to accelerate establishment of beneficiary units, ensure timely achievement of project targets
Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) being implemented by the Agriculture Production Department across the districts of the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department; VC, SKUAST-Kashmir/SKUAST-Jammu; Secretary (Technical), APD; Mission Director, JKCIP; MD, Horticulture Planning & Marketing; Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry; Convenor, UTLBC besides senior officers of the Agriculture Production Department.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of agriculture in the region’s economy, introducing the Jammu & Kashmir Climate-Integrated Project (JKCIP) as a transformative initiative aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes through climate-smart practices, niche crop promotion, and sustainable livelihoods. He emphasized the need for implementing agencies to transition from merely seeking approvals to achieving tangible outcomes, focusing on the timely establishment of beneficiary units and measurable improvements in rural livelihoods. To enhance the participation of women and youth, the Chief Secretary instructed the Agriculture Production Department to engage women from Self-Help Groups and utilize the Mission YUVA database to connect with aspiring young entrepreneurs. This convergence is expected to broaden the program’s outreach and ensure greater inclusion of eligible beneficiaries. He also mandated Deputy Commissioners to implement a roster-based mechanism for regular field inspections to assess project implementation quality, verify beneficiary unit functionality, and gather feedback from applicants, thereby addressing any challenges faced by beneficiaries promptly. The Chief Secretary noted the importance of accelerating the establishment of sanctioned units and strengthening field-level supervision to support approved beneficiaries effectively. Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, reported significant growth in farmer participation in JKCIP, indicating increased confidence in the program, while also calling for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure all eligible individuals can access project benefits. Dr. Sagar DoifodeDattatray, MD of JKCIP, reported a substantial increase in registered farmers and applications received, with thousands of beneficiary units established across various agricultural sectors. A detailed review showed considerable progress in multiple areas, including vegetable cultivation, horticulture, and allied sectors, aimed at enhancing rural income generation. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the development of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), noting that project targets for registration and identification have been largely met. In reviewing the Annual Work Plan and Budget for 2026-27, the Chief Secretary urged all agencies to ensure timely execution of activities and optimal financial resource utilization, aligning financial progress with physical achievements to maximize development outcomes. He concluded the meeting by directing all implementing agencies to maintain momentum, monitor progress against targets, and ensure that project interventions yield visible socio-economic benefits for farmers throughout the Union Territory.
