1,010 Crores to Be Spent on Crop Diversification, Says Agri Minister

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar has announced an allocation of Rs 1,010 crores for the second phase of the Crop Diversification Promotion Scheme (CDPS) as part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project in the state.

He made this announcement during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the first tubewell, which costs Rs 1.20 crore under the same project. This inaugural tubewell is being constructed in the Kharota gram panchayat of the Jawali Assembly constituency in Kangra district.

The JICA project, with a funding of Rs 1,010 crore, is currently operational in 12 districts across the state. It aims to establish 296 irrigation sub-projects and 10 convergence irrigation projects, which include flow, lift, and tubewell systems.

Once completed, these projects will provide irrigation facilities to approximately 25,000 farmers, covering 7,933 hectares of cultivable land. Of the 296 sub-projects, 200 have already had their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared, and efforts are underway to establish Kisan Vikas Sanghs (KVSs) to ensure the efficient operation of irrigation projects in all villages.

Regarding the CDPS in Kangra district, Minister Kumar mentioned that 80 irrigation projects have received approval, with 14 of them located in the Jawali Assembly constituency. He encouraged both farmers and women to actively participate in the JICA project through KVSs, as this would enable them to become self-reliant by engaging in the various activities initiated under the project.

In addition to this, Minister Kumar also presided over the closing ceremony of the three-day state-level Kurash championship, which took place at Vidyavati International School in Malkwal, Nurpur. The event featured the participation of approximately 250 players from sub-junior, cadet, and junior categories representing eight districts within the state. The winners of the championship were honoured with medals, trophies, and citation certificates.

Regarding the CDPS in Kangra district, Minister Kumar mentioned that 80 irrigation projects have received approval, with 14 of them located in the Jawali Assembly constituency. He encouraged both farmers and women to actively participate in the JICA project through KVSs, as this would enable them to become self-reliant by engaging in the various activities initiated under the project.

In addition to this, Minister Kumar also presided over the closing ceremony of the three-day state-level Kurash championship, which took place at Vidyavati International School in Malkwal, Nurpur. The event featured the participation of approximately 250 players from sub-junior, cadet, and junior categories representing eight districts within the state. The winners of the championship were honoured with medals, trophies, and citation certificates.

Also, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar has pledged Rs 1,010 crores for the second phase of the CDPS under the JICA project, aimed at enhancing irrigation infrastructure and empowering farmers across various districts in the state.

Additionally, he urged active participation in the project and celebrated the achievements of young athletes in a state-level championship.