Srinagar : All the fourteen Vigyan Kendras (KVK) under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir in Kashmir Division of J&K and Ladak UTs held an awareness program on 15th instalment release of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
The PM KISAN is a central sector scheme to supplement the financial needs of small and marginal land-holding farmers. The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra is one of the largest DBT schemes in the world. A total of more than 1000 males and 550 female farmers besides scientists from 10 KVKs of valley and 4 KVKs of Ladakh under the control of SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Extension, participated.
During the day-long event, the farmers were sensitised about various technological interventions like precision farming, mechanisation, other government initiatives such as PMFBY, Holistic Agriculture Development Project (HADP), formation and promotion of Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and many more schemes that can help the farmers to increase their efficiency, productivity, profits and sustainability. Additionally, the adoption of organic farming, water-efficient irrigation systems, Agroforestry, and conservation agriculture is becoming beneficial for the long-term growth of the agricultural sector and were highlighted in specific potential organic zones like Ladakh and Gurez. The Union Agriculture Ministry said in a release on Tuesday that Hon’ble Prime Minister would release the money during the ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ to recognise the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, courage, and hospitality which will be very help in agri-tourism in potential and hilly areas. Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, lauded the role of KVKs of Kashmir and Ladakh for hosting such a Mega-program for the marginal farmers of the valley despite cold weather impediments in far-reaching rural hamlets and Ladakh region.
