KATHUA: Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Dr Raghav Langer, today kick-started wheat sowing across the fence at International Border in Chack Changa, Hiranagar today.
Secretary, PD&MD was accompanied by DIG BSF Hari Om; DC Kathua Rahul Pandey; DDC Member Marheen Karan Kumar Attri, SDM Rakesh Kumar, and Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai.
Appreciating the courage and hard work of the local farmers, Dr Langer said the UT administration along with BSF authorities is actively pursuing the potential of cultivation in the border belt so that farming communities get the maximum benefit from the chunk of land which was lying unutilized hitherto.
He assured the farming community of all possible help to bring more area along IB under cultivation so as to motivate other farmers of the area.
Dr Langer suggested the adoption of mechanised ways of farming by establishing machinery banks under BADP, SSY schemes so as to empower local farming communities in reaping rich dividends from their produce.
Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua informed that the target for sowing wheat crops is enhanced to 200 acres from the current Rabi season which he said will be achieved with the handholding efforts of all stakeholders, government agencies, and departments.
Dr Raghav Langer also inspected various developmental works, and rural assets of border panchayats and interacted with progressive farmers at Haripur.
Later, Dr Langer presided over the proceedings of block Diwas at R.C Farms Marheen wherein he threw light on the object of public outreach initiative (Black Diwas) of the government to listen to the grievances at the doorsteps of the people.
After giving a patient hearing to the demands and grievances raised by the people, PRIs Dr Raghav said that developmental goals can be achieved through proper coordination and cooperation of all stakeholders.
Referring to the avenues of opportunities in border areas, Dr Raghav Langer said youth should aim at becoming job creators rather than job-seekers. He said youth should explore opportunities in entrepreneurship by availing of self-employment opportunities extended by the government.
After listening to the issues of the locals, the DC redressed many grievances on the spot and passed a slew of directions to the concerned officers for early redressal of the projected issues.
He assured the public that all their genuine grievances shall be redressed in a time-bound manner.
He said issues beyond the competence of district administration will be taken up at appropriate levels.
