Holistic Agriculture Development Program set to revolutionise agriculture sector in J&K: Javed Dar

• Emphasises accelerated efforts to achieve sustainable Rs 100,000 cr agri- economy in coming years

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Javed Ahmad Dar, today said that successful implementation of Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) will revolutionise the agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing an introductory-cum-review meeting at Civil Secretariat, Dar emphasized HADP’s potential to double farmers’ income and achieve a sustainable Rs 100,000 crore agri-economy in the Union Territory in coming years. He said that the HADP aims to increase farmers’ earnings through innovative and modern methodologies in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors.

The Minister asserted that sustainable efforts would be made to establish a robust Rs 100,000 crore agri-economy, promoting economic growth and employment opportunities for the farmers.

 He asked the concerned officials to deliver benefits of flagship programs and schemes directly to the farmers, enhancing crop production and productivity through Hybrid and Exotic Plantation. He also directed them to intensify hybrid and exotic plantations, boosting economic growth and yield cultivation.

Addressing human resource gaps, the Minster instructed the concerned to fill vacant posts in agricultural, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors, both gazetted and non-gazetted.

The Minister emphasized the need for aggressive awareness campaigning regarding HADP, PM Fasal Bima Yojna, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna and other schemes to achieve self-sufficiency in planting materials, seed varieties and different crop varieties. Javed Dar directed the officials to work together to ensure successful implementation of all schemes and flagship programs, prioritising farmer welfare and prosperity.

The Minister reviewed the status of allocations and expenditure under different sectors. He asked for ensuring seamless work execution on all ongoing projects, providing both mechanizations support, expertise in installation of innovative and modern methodologies for better production as well as economic opportunities.

Javed Dar also reviewed status of saffron Mission and market linkages opportunities to farmers for apple and other products. Earlier, Principal  Secretary APD, Shailendra Kumar, through a power point presentation, gave a detailed review of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and allied sectors in J&K.

The Principal Secretary, who attended the meeting virtually, reaffirmed department’s commitment towards revolutionising Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector through implementation of various schemes and farmer coverage under flagship programmes. Among others, Secretary in APD, Secretary (T), APD, MDs of HADP, JKCIP, Dairy Development,  JK Agros, JKHPMC, Directors, Sericulture, CAD, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and other concerned attended the meeting.