The MOU was signed between Sartaj Ahmad Shah, the Director Agriculture Kashmir and Ramesh Lal Sharma, ASP Headquarter Division Srinagar.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Kashmir observed that the signing of MoU with the Department of posts will provide the Agriculture Department an opportunity to fast-track delivery of sensitive items and official consignments through speed post services.

The meeting focused on facilitating and optimizing parcel train services for the efficient transportation of locally produced apples to markets across the country.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of establishing a seamless supply chain mechanism for fruit growers in the district, ensuring their produce reaches nationwide markets swiftly, cost-effectively, and with minimal transit damage.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner said this train service would give a major push to bolster the local agricultural and horticultural economy.

He instructed the Horticulture Department and Railway Authorities to work in close coordination, create awareness among local farmers and traders regarding railway parcel rates, and ensure smooth operational support at Budgam Railway Station.

The discussion centered on resolving logistical bottlenecks, enhancing loading facilities at the station, and establishing cold-chain connectivity to streamline parcel shipments during the peak harvest season.

The meeting was attended by, Chief Area Manager of Railways, Budgam, Chief Horticulture Officer Budgam, all Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs) of the district, Assistant Grading and Marketing Officers of Chadoora and Beerwah, and other concerned.

The meeting was attended by the Addl Deputy Commissioner, Dr.Muzamil Maqbool, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Tariq Ahmad Malik, SDM Bijbehara, Tanveer Ahmad Tanveer, Tehsildar Bijbehara, Chief Horticulture Officer, SDPO Bijbehara, Area Marketing Manager, Railway Officer from Anantnag Railway Station, President Fruit Association Qazigund, and representatives of the Transport Association, Anantnag.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of close coordination among the concerned departments, railway authorities, fruit associations and transporters for the effective operationalization and utilization of railway goods services. He directed all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner and address logistical issues to facilitate the smooth movement of horticulture produce.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the availability of railway goods services, operational modalities and logistical requirements for ensuring the smooth and efficient transportation of horticulture produce.

It was informed that horticulture is one of the key sectors of the district economy, with around 32,381 hectares of land under horticulture and an annual fruit production of approximately 3 lakh metric tonnes. In view of the substantial volume of produce, the meeting highlighted the significance of railway services for timely delivery of fruit to the outside markets. The meeting was further informed that Jablipora, Ashijipora and Batengoo are three major fruit mandis in District Anantnag, serving as important centres for the collection, marketing and distribution of horticulture produce.

The participants discussed the potential of railway goods services as an additional efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation, particularly during the peak harvesting season.

The service is expected to provide growers and traders with an alternative transportation option and improve market connectivity for the horticulture sector.

The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned stakeholders to take necessary measures for the effective utilization of railway goods services, with the objective of facilitating timely transportation, reducing logistical challenges and benefiting fruit growers and traders of the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, SDM West Irfan Bahadur, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Umar Gulzar, all Tehsildars, District Manager, CSC and other concerned.

During the meeting, the DC took a detailed review of the progress achieved under the initiatives and assessed the status of farmer enrolment, generation of Farmer IDs and the ongoing Digital Crop Survey across all the Tehsils of the District.

On the occasion, the DC directed all concerned Revenue Officers to accord top priority to the enrolment of eligible beneficiary farmers and ensure that the process is completed in a time-bound manner. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts at the Tehsil and field levels to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out of the enrolment process.

The Tehsildars were directed to closely monitor the progress in their respective jurisdictions and complete the enrolment process of farmer-related data.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable data, the DC stressed that the exercise should be carried out with due diligence so that the database remains. The DC also called for close coordination between the Revenue Agriculture Departments and CSC functionaries involved in the process.

During the meeting, the DC also took stock of various revenue-related initiatives, including status of digitisation of Revenue Records, Online/Offline Migrant Grievance and other citizen centric revenue-related service. He stressed the importance of efficient, transparent and citizen-centric delivery of revenue services across the district.

The DC directed all concerned Officers to maintain regular monitoring of progress and ensure effective implementation of all ongoing revenue and farmer-centric initiatives.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress and preparedness for the survey. He directed all concerned to ensure completion of the exercise within the stipulated timeframe in a systematic, accurate and time-bound manner.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed upon the concerned functionaries to ensure comprehensive coverage of all villages and agricultural land parcels and directed that crop details be captured accurately through the prescribed digital process after proper field-level verification.

He called for close coordination and regular monitoring of the exercise and directed the concerned officers to undertake daily reviews of the progress and ensure timely resolution of any issues or gaps encountered during field-level implementation.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the data generated through the survey must be accurate, complete and reflective of the actual ground position, as reliable crop data is essential for effective agricultural planning, assessment and delivery of various government schemes and services.

He further directed the concerned officers to ensure that all field functionaries are properly sensitised regarding the prescribed methodology and that necessary checks are undertaken to avoid errors, omissions and duplication in the survey.

The Deputy Commissioner impressed upon all concerned to accord top priority to the exercise and ensure that the Digital Crop Survey is completed across the district within the prescribed timeline, with proper monitoring and verification at every level.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Tehsildars, Block Development Officers and other concerned officers.

The centre has been established under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) by the Department of Horticulture.

Among others, Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Bandipora, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Bandipora, Technical Officer were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner was briefed by the CHO about the functioning of the Agri Service Centre and its benefits for both the entrepreneur and farming community. He highlighted that the centre would provide an opportunity for entrepreneurship while ensuring easy and affordable access to modern plant protection machinery and equipment for farmers.

The Entrepreneur-Managed Agri Service Centre will provide various Plant Protection machinery and equipment to farmers on a rental basis, enabling them to access modern machinery without the need for individual purchase. The initiative aims to reduce farmers’ costs and facilitate timely and efficient plant protection operations.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC appreciated the initiative and said that such centres would facilitate farmers in accessing modern agricultural machinery and services, thereby supporting efficient and cost-effective farming practices in the district.

MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that the newly established BDC building is not merely an administrative infrastructure but an important institutional mechanism for empowering the grassroots democratic institutions and ensuring responsive, accessible and people-oriented governance.

Constructed at a cost of Rs  97 lakh, the building will provide a dedicated platform for functioning of the Block Development Council. The utility will facilitate the people of the area in putting forth their developmental concerns and grievances before the concerned authorities without having to travel long distances.

Javid Dar said that strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions is central to the government’s vision of decentralized development, wherein local communities and their elected representatives have a meaningful role in identifying priorities, planning development works and monitoring their implementation. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensure that the benefits of welfare and development schemes being implemented by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of India reach the deserving beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and hassle-free manner.

He reiterated that accountability and transparency will remain the cornerstone of the government’s development agenda, particularly in execution of works at the grassroots level. He directed the concerned functionaries to ensure proper utilisation of public resources, adherence to approved norms and specifications, timely completion of works and transparency at every stage of project implementation.

“Every rupee of public money must translate into tangible development and public benefit,” the Minister said while stressing that government institutions must remain accessible and accountable to the people.

Javid Dar maintained that equitable development of all regions and areas is a fundamental priority of the government, with particular attention being given to rural, remote and far-flung areas. He called upon the officers to work in close coordination with elected representatives and local communities so that developmental planning remains aligned with the actual needs of the people.

The Minister also underscored the importance of regular field visits, effective grievance redressal mechanisms and continuous monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure quality, efficiency and timely delivery of services.

MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, in his address, highlighted the vast developmental potential of Kupwara district, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture and rural development. He called for focused interventions and sustained investment in these sectors to unlock the district’s economic potential, strengthen rural livelihoods and create greater employment and income opportunities for the local population.

Director Rural Development Kashmir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Development Handwara, other senior officers of the concerned departments and a large number of local people were present on the occasion.

Kulgam| Sep, 01:Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Tuesday  undertook a comprehensive review of the expenditure status and implementation of various departmental schemes in the districts of Shopian and Anantnag.

During his visit, the Director inspected the Soil Testing Laboratory at Bijbehara, where he took detailed stock of its functioning, infrastructure and facilities available for soil analysis. He emphasized the significance of soil testing in promoting scientific and balanced use of fertilizers, improving soil health and enhancing agricultural productivity. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that farmers are provided timely soil testing services and appropriate technical advisories based on soil health parameters.

The Director also inspected the site identified for establishment of the Centre of Excellence at Kulgam and reviewed the suitability of the site and the proposed facilities. He underscored that the Centre of Excellence should serve as a state-of-the-art platform for demonstration and promotion of modern agricultural technologies, climate-resilient farming practices, quality planting material and advanced production techniques.

While reviewing the expenditure status of Shopian and Anantnag districts,  Sartaj Ahmad Shah stressed upon the officers to ensure timely and judicious utilization of allocated funds and expedite the implementation of approved interventions. He called for close monitoring of both physical and financial progress and directed the field functionaries to ensure that the benefits of various schemes and programmes reach the farming community in a timely and transparent manner.

The Director further emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among field functionaries to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, improve service delivery and facilitate the adoption of modern technologies by farmers.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, the programme brings together senior forestry professionals, university leaders, researchers and subject experts to deliberate on emerging opportunities and challenges in sustainable ecotourism, forest and wildlife management.

Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, stressed that tourism in ecologically fragile regions must be guided by sustainability, conservation and community participation. He said the objective should not be to maximize tourist numbers but to maximise the positive value of tourism while minimising its ecological footprint.

Emphasising the vulnerability of Himalayan ecosystems, Prof. Ganai called for a calibrated approach in which tourism becomes an instrument for conservation rather than ecological degradation. The Vice Chancellor also underlined the growing role of GIS, remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence and digital monitoring in protected-area management, biodiversity assessment, visitor management, ecosystem monitoring and evidence-based decision-making. He said SKUAST-K has an important role in generating scientific evidence, building professional capacities and providing technology-driven solutions to emerging environmental challenges.

Former Chief Secretary, Ramesh Negi, Guest of Honour, emphasised the need to shift ecotourism from a tourism-centric to a conservation-centric model, keeping ecological carrying capacity, biodiversity protection, local livelihoods and responsible visitor behaviour at the centre of planning and management.

Dr. Javeed Iqbal, Course Director, said the programme has been designed to go beyond conventional classroom-based training by providing participants with a field-oriented, interdisciplinary and technology-enabled learning experience. He noted that participation from 18 States would facilitate cross-state learning and exchange of experiences from diverse forest and ecological landscapes.

The programme covers key themes including Himalayan biodiversity, protected-area management, ecosystem carrying capacity, legal and institutional frameworks, Eco-Development Committees, participatory planning, gender integration, overtourism mitigation, sustainable livelihoods, GIS, remote sensing and AI-based conservation monitoring.

As part of the experiential component, the participating officers will visit important ecological and tourism landscapes including Wular Lake, Gulmarg, Zabarwan landscape, Chandaji Eco-Restoration Site and Hokersar Wetland. They will also be exposed to technological innovations at SKIIE and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, SKUAST-Kashmir.

The programme builds upon SKUAST-Kashmir’s continuing engagement with MoEFCC through capacity-building initiatives focused on smart conservation, forest landscape restoration, climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The University has also been advancing multidisciplinary, technology-driven solutions involving AI, IoT, CRISPR and precision system

The programme was chaired by Dr.Vageesh Pandey, Deputy Director (E), CIPMC Srinagar and Ghulam Ahmad Rather, SMS (DL), Ganderbal, who was accompanied by Mushtaq Bhat, AEO, Wakoora.

At the outset, Ghulam Ahmad Rather, provided a brief introduction to the programme, along with an overview of the activities and schedule planned for the day.

Dr. Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (PP), delivered an informative introductory lecture and highlighted the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its various benefits to farmers. He provided valuable insights into seed treatment, need-based application of chemicals, National Pest Surveillance System, and safe and judicious use of pesticides. He emphasized that the adoption of IPM practices can help farmers reduce unnecessary pesticide use while promoting sustainable and economically viable crop production.

Kawal Nain Singh, Scientific Assistant, shared his field experience with the participating farmers and explained the significance of adopting integrated pest management strategies for effective and sustainable pest control.

AbirShankhari, Assistant Plant Protection Officer (WS), briefed the farmers on the objectives and scope of Integrated Pest Management, emphasizing its role in promoting environmentally safe and farmer-friendly crop protection practices.

Mushtaq Bhat, AEO, Wakoora, conducted a pre-evaluation test among the participating farmers to assess their existing knowledge and understanding of pest management practices. The participating farmers expressed their appreciation to the departments for organizing the programme and welcomed the initiative aimed at enhancing their knowledge and capacity regarding scientific, safe, and sustainable pest management practices.