Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said the government’s goal is to make every farmer in J&K UT a proud stakeholder in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the closing ceremony of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan at SKUAST Kashmir’s Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops at Khudwani-Kulgam, the LG, according to an official press release, commended the valuable contribution of everyone associated with the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for marking a transformative step, through this initiative, toward building a resilient, modern, and prosperous agricultural landscape in the Union Territory.
“Our ultimate goal is to make every farmer in J&K UT a proud stakeholder in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Let us walk together towards a future where every field blooms with prosperity, every farmer thrives with dignity and every village becomes a symbol of development. With Sankalp (resolve) comes Shakti (strength) and with Shakti comes Vikas (development),” the LG said.
He reiterated the commitment of J&K administration, “under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, to build a stronger farm economy, increasing rural employment opportunities and enhancing farmers’ income.
J&K had launched similar initiative in 2022 through Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), the first revolutionary program in agriculture in any state or UT in recent times. It is a comprehensive strategy, designed to make J&K UT a robust Rs 1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030, he said.
The LG, in his address, highlighted several targeted initiatives taken by the administration for the upliftment of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and those engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.
He said, the J&K also has a special focus on the development of our tribal farming communities, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and other STs, who are the custodians of our forests, mountains and traditional wisdom.
“The active participation from every district in Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan reflects our collective commitment to a self-reliant J&K. Let us continue this spirit of progress and partnership to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for our farming communities,” the LG said.
The occasion also marked the beginning of transplantation of rice.
The LG called upon officials and scientists to ensure that the awareness, reforms and outreach achieved through this campaign become embedded in our systems and governance frameworks.
“Let this Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan not just end in ceremonies and reports, but continue to resonate in our policies, partnerships, and priorities,” the LG said.
“Progressive farmers shared their success stories and expressed gratitude to the LG-led J&K administration for the support and hand-holding,” the press release said.
Responding to the issues raised by the farmers, the LG asked the Agriculture Minister J&K for addressing the issue of the extension of benefits under PM Fasal Bima Yojana to Farmers associated with the Horticulture sector on priority.
The LG also launched various initiatives and publications of SKUAST Kashmir and handed over sanctioned letters to farmers from tribal communities under different schemes. He also congratulated the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops for the development of 20 rice varieties keeping in mind the agro-ecology of Kashmir.
A two- minute silence was observed in the memory of citizens who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Through the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, farmers are being educated on advanced agricultural research tailored to their specific area’s needs. In J&K, this campaign has successfully reached over 2.80 lakh farmers, providing crucial information on low-cost, high-production, and more sustainable and profitable modern agricultural techniques, resources, and schemes, the press release said.
Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Sakina Itoo, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir, VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir, scientists, experts, faculty, students and members from farming community were present.
Mohammad Afzal Parray, chairman, DDC Kulgam; Members of Legislative Assembly, HoDs, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were also present.
Barring police, all departments fall under government jurisdiction: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday clarified the limits of his administrative authority, stating that except for the Police department, all other departments such as power, water, agriculture, and roads fall under the jurisdiction of the elected government.
The LG was responding to a series of demands made by the farmers, particularly the inclusion of horticulture under the Crop Insurance Scheme. Farmers had urged the LG to take steps to safeguard their produce from unpredictable weather and crop losses.
“You said, ‘LG Sahab give us something.’ The only thing I can give you is the police personnel,” Sinha remarked with a touch of humour. “Rest – roads, water, power, agriculture, are with the government. I will have no objection if the government concedes to your demands,” he added, expressing solidarity with the farming community.
His remarks highlighted the administrative distinction between the roles of the Union Territory’s Lieutenant Governor and the broader governmental apparatus. (KNT)
