SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today visited Allowpora and Padgampora Agriculture Farms, to review their working and assess the implementation of agricultural development schemes.
During the visit, the Minister took a detailed appraisal of the activities being carried out at these government-run farms. He lauded the consistent efforts being made towards enhancing the agricultural productivity and seed quality. He appreciated the Agriculture Department for vigorous development of farm infrastructure and sustainable farming practices, which he said are pivotal to boost farmers’ income and self-reliance.
The minister interacted with the officers and local farmers, seeking feedback on a variety of farm development and farmer welfare initiatives. He reviewed the research and adoption of best farming practices, emphasizing the need to support farms and proper linkage and extension services to local farmers.
The Minister listened to scores of farmers who apprised the Minister of various issues concerning the agricultural allied sectors. These included betterment of irrigation, enhanced support for farm machinery modernisation and adoption of best farming practices. The need to provide support to the Farm spanning over hundreds of kanals of land and its proper linkage and extension services with local farmers was highlighted.
On the occasion, MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie and MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay apprised the Minister of issues concerning their respective areas. These included removing encroachments on sericulture land and its proper usage, development of Allowpora farm, provision of insurance cover to apple and other crops, besides macadamisation of roads.
The Minister listened to the development demands and grievances of the people. He assured that the government is committed to ensure holistic and comprehensive development of the sector. He lauded the efforts of local farm institutions and research and development centres in ushering vibrant modernization of post harvest management systems. He asked the people to take full benefits of government sponsored schemes aimed to uplift the farm income.
The Minister was accompanied by MLAs from Rajpora and Chanapora, Deputy Commissioner Shopian; Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; Director, Agriculture Kashmir; ADDC Shopian; ADC Shopian; JDI Agriculture; Assistant Commissioner Development Pulwama; Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Pulwama, Chief Agricultural Officer Pulwama, Chief Horticultural Officer Pulwama, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Pulwama, Assistant Director Fisheries Pulwama, and other district and sectoral officers were also present on the occasion.
