Stresses soil conservation, crop diversification and stronger extension services
SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday called for a shift towards scientific and technology-driven farming, crop diversification and sustainable management of natural resources to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was addressing a district-level exhibition-cum-Kissan Mela organised by the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir, under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at Darbagh, Harwan.
MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar Mir Aijaz Hassan, senior departmental officers, agricultural experts and progressive farmers attended the programme.
The Minister described agriculture and allied sectors as vital pillars of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and said farming needed to become more productive, remunerative and sustainable. He urged farmers to adopt modern cultivation techniques, diversify crops and make informed use of scientific interventions to improve productivity and household incomes.
Emphasising soil conservation, Dar called for judicious use of chemical fertilisers, soil-test-based nutrient application and integrated nutrient management. He said protecting natural resources and maintaining soil health were essential to sustaining agricultural productivity for future generations.
He also called upon departmental officers and field functionaries to strengthen grassroots extension services, remain in regular contact with farming communities and ensure timely dissemination of scientific advisories. Government assistance, he said, should reach eligible beneficiaries transparently and without delay.
Dar said agriculture and allied activities offered significant opportunities for employment generation and rural livelihood improvement, particularly for young people, and encouraged farmers to explore emerging opportunities in diversified agriculture.
MLA Salman Ali Sagar highlighted the sector’s role in the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, expand the reach of government schemes and provide adequate institutional support to farmers.
During the programme, sanction letters were distributed among eligible beneficiaries to facilitate access to departmental assistance under various interventions.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah highlighted two ongoing departmental outreach initiatives, Reform Utsav 2026 and Khet Bachao Abhiyan, Rabi 2026, aimed at strengthening public participation, improving coverage of government schemes and promoting sustainable farming practices.
The programme also featured an exhibition of departmental stalls showcasing modern agricultural technologies, farm machinery, improved crop production practices and farmer-oriented schemes. Farmers interacted with agricultural experts and departmental officers to seek technical guidance and learn about available support mechanisms. A band display by a local youth club marked the opening of the event.