Jammu, Dec 18: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday addressed the Multi-Stakeholder Platform Meeting-2 under the Jammu & Kashmir Comprehensive Agricultural Development Programme (JKCIP/HADP) at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo, Jammu.
The minister highlighted the importance of such platforms in bringing together farmers, FPOs, government departments, agri-entrepreneurs, financial institutions, researchers, and civil society to work collectively for the growth of agriculture and allied sectors. He reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy and stressed the need to empower farmers for sustainable regional development.
He said the launch of a vigorous awareness campaign on agriculture and allied sector schemes will ensure maximum outreach and benefits to the farming community. Dar underlined the importance of promoting market-driven production, strengthening market linkages, reducing dependency on middlemen, encouraging public-private partnerships, and fostering inclusive decision-making involving small and marginal farmers, women, and youth.
The minister also called for the replication of successful innovations and technologies in agriculture and horticulture, stating that the goal is to transform traditional farming into a modern, income-oriented, and market-driven system.
Later, the minister visited the Rural Development Department in Jammu, interacted with officials, and reviewed the progress of ongoing developmental works in Jammu division.
The event was attended by the Mission Director JKCIP/HADP, Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry, MD JK AGRO, experts from SKUAST-J and universities, representatives of financial institutions, including J&K Bank and PNB, members of the Kissan Advisory Board, farmers, FPOs, and budding entrepreneurs.
sameer
Leave a comment