Jammu: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday called for a focused, farmer-centric approach to unlock the horticultural potential of Jammu division, enhance farm incomes and strengthen the rural economy.
Addressing an interaction programme with farmers at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo, organised by the Department of Horticulture Jammu, the minister said horticulture has immense potential to become a more productive and remunerative sector if supported through quality inputs, scientific planning and sustained engagement with farmers.
Farmers from different areas raised issues related to incentives, availability of quality planting material, market support and measures to improve production and profitability. Assuring them of government support, Dar said policies and schemes must remain aligned with the ground realities and evolving needs of the farming community.
During the programme, the minister released the Department of Horticulture Jammu’s handbook containing information on modern horticultural practices, technologies and government schemes. He also distributed sanction letters among beneficiaries under various horticulture schemes.
In another initiative, Dar flagged off buses carrying farmers on an exposure visit to government fruit plant nurseries in Jammu and Samba, as well as Krishi Vigyan Kendras and SKUAST-Jammu, to familiarise them with modern nursery management and scientific farming practices.
Later, the minister chaired a review meeting of the Horticulture Department and directed officers to intensify action against the sale of fake and spurious pesticides. He stressed regular inspections, effective monitoring and strict quality control to protect farmers from substandard agricultural inputs.
He also directed officials to ensure that only certified and quality planting material reaches farmers and called for strengthening government nurseries and expanding the availability of subsidised fruit plants.
Dar further asked the department to identify areas best suited for fresh and dry fruit cultivation and prepare location-specific plans based on agro-climatic conditions and market demand.
Earlier in the day, the minister reviewed the functioning of the Agriculture Department at Talab Tillo, where he assessed the physical and financial progress of various schemes, including Capex works, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), NABARD projects and the J&K Comprehensive Investment Plan (JKCIP).
Reviewing district-wise progress and expenditure, he directed officers to ensure timely utilisation of funds and completion of projects within stipulated timelines.
Emphasising regulation of agricultural inputs, Dar ordered the establishment of a dedicated enforcement toll post at Lakhanpur to check the movement of substandard, spurious or unauthorised fertilisers, pesticides and seeds. He also directed senior officers to undertake regular field visits and closely monitor enforcement measures.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of the economy, the minister said strengthening the sector is vital for improving farmers’ incomes, generating employment and ensuring food security.
Later, Dar visited Agriculture Farm Chinor and inaugurated a new Seed Separation and Processing Unit aimed at improving seed quality through scientific cleaning, grading, processing and treatment of harvested seed lots.
The minister said quality seed plays a crucial role in improving crop productivity and farmers’ returns, adding that the new facility would help ensure the availability of pure and high-germination seeds while reducing dependence on external sources.
He also reviewed the functioning of the farm and directed officials to modernise operations and develop the facility into a demonstration and knowledge-support centre for farmers
