‘Ministry of Agriculture will provide all support and help for upliftment of Agriculture Sector in the valley’

Srinagar: Additional Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Government of India P.K Swain Friday visited Agriculture Complex Lalmandi. He took a detailed review of the different agricultural programs being implemented in all the districts of Kashmir Division.
Speaking on the occasion, the Additional Secretary highlighted the importance of multiple cropping systems. He laid stress upon the need to educate the farmers regarding various farmer friendly schemes which have been devised to transform the rural economy for sustenance and economic prosperity.
In order to have better market linkage available to the farmers Additional Secretary GOI, said impetus is being given to increase farmers’ income, in this context formation of Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is the only everlasting solution which are designed for economic prosperity of the farmers by way of transforming agriculture into a remunerative venture and farmers into agri-entrepreneurs.
He reiterated that the present policies of Government of India including formation of FPOs are best suited to UT of J&K as the region is endowed with a variety of agricultural products with export potential, and has great demand and relevance in national and international markets.
During the meeting Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal gave a detailed power point presentation regarding different programs being carried out by the department. He said that Organic villages are being established in a systematic manner, Incentivizing farmers, awareness, health benefits and economic importance of organic farming for sustainable agriculture. He further added that high end value vegetable crops including exotics are also being promoted and covered under a holistic approach.
The meeting was attended by all Joint Directors of the Department, Chief Agriculture Officers, Area marketing Officers of JK Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department, District Officers of the Agriculture Department besides all Sub Divisional agriculture Officers also attended the meeting.
Earlier Additional Secretary Government Of India visited Organic Vegetable Market established at agriculture Complex Lalmandi.
Speaking on the occasion Additional Secretary said Kashmir valley having best agro climatic conditions for organic farming can increase employment opportunities for farmers as well as educated unemployed youth.
He further said that Ministry of Agriculture GOI will provide all support and help for upliftment of overall agriculture sector in the valley.

KR Desk