KATHUA: A grand district mega Kisan Mela was inaugurated today at Ghatti, Kathua by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmed Dar.
The event witnessed massive participation from the farmers, agriculture experts and scientists from SKUAST, making it a vibrant hub of knowledge sharing, technological demonstrations and farmer–scientist interactions.
In his inaugural address, Javid Dar lauded the Agriculture Department for bringing together diverse stakeholders of the farming sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards empowering the farmers through innovation, technology adoption and farmer-friendly policies.
The Minister directed the officers to conduct village-level awareness camps to disseminate information on agricultural and allied sector schemes. He also urged the farming community to shift from primary to secondary agriculture, enabling them to connect with direct marketing channels for better price realization.
Earlier, the Minister laid foundation stone for strengthening the Goat Farm at Rajbagh, a project worth ₹349.94 lakh, aimed at boosting livestock infrastructure and farmer livelihood opportunities.
The Chief Agriculture Officer, Kathua, briefed the gathering on district achievements, departmental schemes, success stories of progressive farmers, precision farming initiatives and efforts to improve soil health, productivity and market linkages.
Guest of Honour, MLA Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the scientific advancements and ground-level adoption. He encouraged the farmers to embrace the modern farming technologies to enhance income.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta, HoDs of allied departments and DDC representatives.
The Mela featured a wide array of stalls showcasing the modern machinery, improved seed varieties, integrated farming models, organic and natural farming technologies besides departmental initiatives aimed at doubling the farmers’ income. Besides, live demonstrations and technical sessions by SKUAST scientists offered hands-on solutions to farmers’ field challenges.