ANANTNAG: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated Kisan Mela-cum-Exhibition at Khanabal here.
The mela was organised by the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, district Anantnag, under the SMAE-ATMA 2025-26 scheme to raise awareness, educate and motivate farmers about various welfare schemes available with the department.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister emphasized on the importance of Kisan Melas and exhibitions, as they provide a platform to create awareness among the farming community about Modern technology equipments and other schemes.
Highlighting the department’s plans to conduct similar events across J&K, the Minister added that the Mela will educate the farmers about the latest technologies available to boost agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors.
Javid Dar highlighted that the subsidies are available for farmers to purchase farming equipment, with over 50% subsidy in various schemes. He emphasised that the agriculture sector is a prosperous field for humanity, offering vast opportunities for growth, employment, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture and supporting farmers to enhance productivity, incom, and overall well-being. He noted the region’s potential for fisheries, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables, as well as allied activities like beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and floriculture, offering farmers vast opportunities to enhance income and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
During the event, the Minister also inspected various stalls established by Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative, Labour and Employment departments showcasing various schemes and services available for the farming community.
MLA Dooru, Gulam Ahmad Mir; MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani; MLA Bijbehara, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; MLA Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA West, Abdul Majeed Bhat; Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah; other district and sectoral officers, members of farming community and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.
