SRINAGAR: Secretary of Agriculture Production Department, Shabnam Kamili today inaugurated the two-day Jashn-e-Zaffran at India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dussoo, Pampore.
While addressing the inaugural session, the Secretary highlighted the importance of Kashmir saffron in the overall development of the agricultural economy and the socio-economic transformation of saffron growers of the Pampore area. She reiterated that the department is committed towards the development of a farming community in the region. She said that after getting the GI Tag the Kashmir Saffron is touching new heights at national and international levels.
Shabnam Kamili asked the farmers to come forward and take benefit from different initiatives by the department. She asked saffron growers to take full advantage of the scientific facilities available to them at IIKSTC.
The secretary informed the participants that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) government has approved a special project for the promotion and development of niche crops including saffron. She impressed upon the officers to put in all the efforts and ensure that every saffron grower is acquainted with the government’s programs, and schemes (including HADP) for the development of the Saffron sector.
She directed the concerned Officers to organise awareness programmes for the farmers and train them in different skills and techniques related to different crops including saffron.
During the session, the Director of Agriculture Kashmir gave a detailed presentation regarding the overall saffron crop scenario. He gave the details of different interventions by the department during the last few years.
Shabnum Kamili also visited different sections of IIKSTC, where she was briefed by the concerned experts. She also inspected the stalls laid by agriculture and allied departments.
A cultural programme was also held in which folk artists and students from different educational institutions entertained the participants with their performances.
The event, organized by the Agriculture Department, Kashmir, was attended by the Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal; Director of Horticulture Kashmir, G.R.Mir; heads of allied department, BDC Kakapora Umar Jan, DDC Member Kakpora, Abdul Qayoom Mir; members Kisan Board, Joint Directors, Chief Agriculture Officer, Saffron growers, students from different educational institutions and officers of Agriculture and allied departments.
