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Jammu: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Saturday inaugurated a mega Kisan Mela at Bishnah.
The event was jointly organised by the J&K Kisan Advisory Board and the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu, with the aim of taking government schemes and services directly to the farming community.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is committed towards ensuring that the farmers receive all facilities at their doorsteps. He stated that such fairs provide a direct interface between the farmers and the departments, helping them understand and avail the benefits of various schemes.
Referring to the challenges posed by climatic change and global warming, the Minister stressed the need to move beyond traditional cropping patterns and adopt cash crops, horticulture and allied activities. He informed that the department is extending skill training to youth along with financial assistance under different schemes, including subsidies of over 50 per cent, to make agriculture a sustainable and attractive livelihood option.
MLA Bishnah, Dr Rajeev Bhagat, said the mela was organised to create awareness among the farmers about the government programmes. He emphasized that steps are being taken to reduce the role of middlemen in marketing of farm produce so that the farmers receive fair returns. He added that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), priority is being given to small and marginal farmers.
Secretary, J&K Kisan Advisory Board, members of the Board and heads of agriculture and allied departments also addressed the gathering. They highlighted various initiatives being implemented for the welfare of farmers.
A Nukkad Natak was also presented to educate the farmers about the financial assistance schemes in agriculture and allied sectors and the process of availing these benefits.
Among those present were DDC Bishnah Davinder Kumar, DDC Arnia Surekha Bhagat, MD HADP Sandeep Kumar, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta, Director Sheep Husbandry Jammu, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director HM&P Jammu, senior officers from allied departments and a large number of farmers from the area.