500 Farmers to Be Guided to Maximize Potential of Organic Produce in J&K

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the five-day 'Kisan Mela' at SKUAST Jammu on Monday. In addition, the Lt Governor established the foundation for the newly sanctioned faculties of Horticulture and Forestry, Agricultural Engineering, and Dairy Technology. 

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the University for bringing together entrepreneurs, technocrats, policymakers, and farmers from J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand on a unified platform. 

He stated that the exchange of ideas and knowledge will boost agricultural innovation and urge farmers to use profitable techniques. The Lt Governor outlined various initiatives undertaken by the government to benefit the farming community. 

"We are attempting to increase productivity via the incorporation of traditional wisdom, current science and technology, improved marketing facilities, and the resolution of various other concerns like power, irrigation, cheaper credit, and rural infrastructure," the Lt Governor stated. 

"A renewed focus is being given to organic farming in order to bring about a paradigm shift in agrarian policy, rural prosperity, and enhancing farmers' earnings and quality of life," said the Lt Governor. 

The Lt Governor further emphasized the government's farmer-centric policies implemented in the last two years to empower J&K farmers by raising their income and making them AatmaNirbhar. With monthly revenue of Rs.18918 per farmer, the UT of J&K is currently among the top five states/UTs in terms of farm income, he noted. 

"Greater diversification into high-value crops, value addition through agro-processing, and market linkages are propelling our agriculture and horticulture sectors to new heights while ensuring inclusive growth. 

The improved air connectivity has given the horticultural industry a new push," the Lt Governor stated. 

"The UT administration is always aiming to offer farmers with direct access to contemporary technology, supporting natural farming to promote profitability and sustainability in agriculture and associated industries," the Lt Governor stated. 

"Aggressive marketing and branding of local agri-products, mechanization in agriculture and horticulture sector, High-Density Plantation, diversification, better quality seeds, capacity building, GI Tagging, expansion of banking facilities, and micro-irrigation have achieved rich dividends for farmers and brought about a structural change in agriculture and horticulture," he added. 

'Vocal for Local' has created a variety of opportunities for everyone involved in agriculture and related industries to develop and succeed. We are also bringing in national and international players to improve knowledge expertise and provide global market linkages to J&K's farming community, said the Lt Governor. 

The Lt Governor directed the Agriculture Universities of J&K to work on a mission to link more farmers with organic farming and horticulture, as well as to familiarize them with the most recent scientific know-how. 

"Every year, 500 enterprising farmers will receive handholding and knowledge-based intervention to maximize the potential of organic products," added the Lt Governor. 

"Bridging the rural gap is one of the UT administration's key concerns. 

A solid framework is being built to create employment and connect rural youth with the agriculture and horticulture industries. The administration will provide all possible assistance to youth involved in agricultural start-ups," the Lt Governor stated. 

"Special measures are being made to ensure that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is available to all farmers. We are also providing utmost financial assistance to Farmer-Producer Organizations- FPOs and investigating the feasibility of micro-financing institutions to meet the requirements of J&K farmers," the Lt Governor stated. 

"In the next four years, we want to transform 5500 hectares of land into high-density plantations.  We were able to grow apples on 320 hectares and subtropical fruits on 2400 hectares last year," he added. 

The Lt Governor congratulated the Agriculture Department for adding one lakh metric tonnes of storage capacity in only 18 months. Meanwhile, the Lt Governor congratulated progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and outstanding University students. 

Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture Production, Farmers' Welfare and Horticulture, congratulated SKUAST-Jammu on the Honorable Lt Governor's decision to lay the foundation for the new faculties. 

He asked the Department of Agriculture and other line departments, as well as the university, to continue working together to provide the necessary amenities to the farming community. 

Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, emphasized the Institution's efforts in his welcome address, stating that the five-day Kisan Mela-2022 on Natural and Modern Technologies would focus on the display and exhibition of proven and enhanced technologies created by the university. 

He further stated that three community radio stations, one each for Samba, Reasi, and Jammu districts, had been authorized for the promotion of better agricultural methods among farmers. The university has established one Kisan call center to provide farmers with on-the-spot solutions to their problems, as well as 20 tart-ups, he added. 

The main attractions of the mela are an exhibition of the latest agri-start-ups, Kisan Goshties, workshops on basmati, bee keeping, walnut, mushroom, seed, sale of quality seed and planting material, live demonstration of new varieties, flower show, vegetable show, fruit show, animal show, agri-tourism, rural sports and farmers-scientist interaction, presentation by innovative farmers, and cultural programme. 

The Kisan Mela-2022 is being organized in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Floriculture, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, Command Area Development, etc. 

Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson, KVIB; Prof. Bechan Lal, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Dr. Manoj Dhar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVAS University; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Ravinder Kumar, Secretary to Ladakh Government; Shyam Bihari Gupt, Member, Kisan Samridhi Aayog; HoDs of concerned departments; faculty members of SKUAST-J, besides scores of farmers were present on the occasion.