Srinagar: Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal chaired a meeting of officers of the department to discuss the issues which will form a basis for diversification and strategies to be adopted for Kharief season at Lalmandi Srinagar today.
While speaking on the occasion Director Agriculture highlighted the importance of diversification in agriculture sector. He said diversification of crop production refers to shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming for overall progress and development of agriculture sector.
Director said to realize the dream of doubling the farmer’s income by the year 2022 it is of prime importance to ensure the availability of high quality agriculture inputs to the farming community at right time and suitable cost.
Iqbal Chowdhary directed Officers that all the initiatives taken by the department must be farmer centric and the commitment to satisfy the farming community. He directed the participating officers to ensure that all programs and projects being executed by the department should be farmer friendly. He said need of the hour is to identify and explore Agri-based sectors to harness the impact in terms of economy and employment. He advocated for close monitoring and simultaneous implementation of reforms at all levels.
During the meeting Director Agriculture set targets to all Chief Agriculture Officers with respect to area expansion in Lal Mirchi, Kala Zeera, Zag rice, Muskbudji rice, Sweet Corn, Lavender, potato, Mushroom, and exotic vegetables.
Director Agriculture reiterated the Departments focus on giving a thrust to organic and natural farming and lowering the use of chemicals in the field. He directed the Chief Agriculture Officers for giving all support and helping hand to the organic vegetable growers and the individuals involved with organic fertilizers in order to stop the exploitation of soil and other natural resources.
Director impressed upon the officers to educate the farmers regarding advanced agriculture practices in vegetable, apiculture, mushroom, spices and other income generating activities which can improve the lives of farmers.
Director Agriculture Kashmir Stressed upon the officers to depute field functionaries on the regular field visits to their respective jurisdictions for awareness generation among the farming community regarding latest technological interventions.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture Extension M. Qasim Gani, Joint Director Agriculture Inputs Amir-ud-din Andrabi, and all Chief Agriculture Officers of Kashmir Division.
Later in a separate meeting Director reviewed activities being carried out in the Departmental seed multiplication farms.
Speaking on the occasion, Director said that for making Agriculture successful it starts with quality planting material and creating an effecting and sustainable system, supply of high quality seeds is significant for the development of Agriculture.

KR Desk