JAMMU: The J&K Advisory Board for Development of Kisans today convened a board meeting under the chairmanship of its Vice Chairman and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo.
Professor J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST, Jammu was also present in the meeting.
The meeting had a detailed discussion on the present status of the Irrigation network in Jammu Division besides chalking out a workable solution for complete de-slitting and renovation of irrigation canals, minors, and tributaries so that farmers whose land is on the tail end of these canals can get water throughout the crop season. Further, a proper calendar for the opening and closing of these canals was discussed based on the actual requirement of water as per available cultivable area, after taking into consideration the present environmental changes viz-a-viz global warming.
The meeting was attended by Board members, head of departments of Agriculture, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, Jammu, Chief Engineer Ravi Tawi Irrigation Jammu, Director Rural Development Jammu, CEO JKEDA, Director Metrological Department Jammu, Regional Director Central Ground Water Jammu and Chief Engineer PDCL, Jammu.
While addressing the meeting, ACS said that the concerns raised by Board members need to be addressed jointly and the irrigation problem in the Jammu division needs to be tackled seriously. He endorsed the suggestions put forth by VC SKUAST-Jammu and the Board members. He advised that SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir should immediately start two Incubation Centres where training to farmers can be given on the usage of water in their crops, management of irrigation resources, and proper and judicious use of fertilizers in their fields.
Atal Dulloo asked the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Jammu to schedule a workable calendar in consultation with Director Agriculture Department Jammu for the opening and closing of these canals so that farmers’ concerns are addressed.
ACS said that the defunct khulls, dug wells and tube wells should be immediately made operational and proper funds be projected in this regard. He further advised that the siphons constructed on irrigation canals that have either been damaged or blocked should be immediately repaired.
Atal Dulloo asked the Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Department Jammu to keep sufficient submersible pumps and Electric motors/diesel generators available as stand-by units in these water scarcity areas so that water should remain available to the farmers round the clock.
Regarding the availability of Electric supply to motors installed in farmer’s fields, he asked the Chief Engineer PDCL Jammu to schedule the curtailment programme as per the requirement and needs of the farmer.
Taking a serious note of the non-allotment of solar pumps to the farmers who have deposited their marginal money under the PM-KUSUM scheme with the J&K Energy Development Agency, Atal Dulloo directed CEO JKEDA to immediately initiate action against the company/firm who has failed to deliver solar pumps to the farmers. He further asked for covering the maximum number of farmers under the PM-KUSUM Scheme.
ACS asked the Secretary J&K Advisory Board for the Development of Kisans to raise awareness among the masses to avoid dumping domestic wastes into these canals. He asked the Board to conduct these programms in coordination with RDD Jammu besides Jammu Municipality corporation and schools.
