Srinagar: The Agriculture Department Kashmir on Sunday organised a mega Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre, Dusoo, Pampore, with a focus on protecting saffron cultivation and addressing irrigation-related challenges faced by growers.
Minister for Agriculture, Cooperatives, Mining and Finance Javed Ahmad Dar, Pulwama MLA Waheed ur Rahman Parra and Tral MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik attended the programme, organised under the centrally sponsored National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) schemes.
During the programme, Dar, along with the two legislators, visited saffron fields at Dusoo and interacted with growers to discuss issues affecting cultivation.
The minister said the government would take measures to ensure timely irrigation during critical stages of saffron cultivation. He called for coordinated efforts among farmers, agricultural institutions and government departments to protect and revive the heritage crop.
The programme was part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, being conducted from October 22 to November 30, 2026.
Parra stressed the need to extend the benefits of government schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), to marginal farmers. He also suggested exploring solar-powered borewells to address irrigation constraints in saffron-growing areas.
Naik called for greater participation of local farmers and other stakeholders in efforts to revive saffron cultivation and restore its traditional prominence.
Several departments set up exhibition stalls showcasing their schemes and achievements, which were inspected by the visiting dignitaries.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah said the department was working to strengthen sustainable farming practices across the Kashmir division.
The programme was attended by Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama, departmental officers, field functionaries and a large number of farmers.
