District level Exhibition-cum-Kisan Mela organised at Doda

• Farmers, civil society members project demands  

DODA: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Doda organised a District Level Exhibition-cum-Kisan Mela under CSS-ATMA here in the Community Hall. The programme was presided over by Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Dhananter Singh Kotwal. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh and Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta attended as guests of honour.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of farmers from across the district, reflecting their growing interest in modern and sustainable agricultural practices.  Stalls of Agriculture and allied sector Departments were set up to disseminate information on improved crop varieties, innovative farming techniques and flagship government schemes aimed at promoting farm based enterprises.

Farmers evinced keen interest in interacting with technical experts and officials at these stalls. A major attraction of the event was the exhibition of different crops and farm produce displayed by farmers. The best exhibits were suitably rewarded, motivating farmers to adopt diversification, innovation and scientific farming methods. The mela also served as a platform for knowledge sharing, exchange of experience and promotion of allied activities such as horticulture and apiculture.

The Chief Agriculture Officer presented a detailed overview of achievements under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other farmer-centric schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and various agriculture promotion programmes. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing farm productivity, ensuring timely availability of quality seeds, fertilizers and medicines besides strengthening farmer support mechanisms.

 Government functionaries including Chief Planning Officer Munish Kumar Manhas; Chief Agriculture Officer Amjad Hussain Malik; ADO Vegetable Haroon Hussain; Sushil Rattan Sharma (MDO), DAO Extension, Apiculture Development Officer and SDAO Pranoo were present on the occasion. In addition, a Block Diwas programme was organised alongside the mela during which a large number of people raised their grievances. The issues were patiently heard and addressed on the spot, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and farmer Welfare.

During the interaction, farmers and public representatives raised several issues and demands seeking expansion of HADP activities, construction of vermi-compost units, rainwater harvesting structures, compensation for crop damage, improvement of irrigation facilities, renovation of canals, water supply for agriculture and timely disposal of compensation cases.

 Other key issues included widening of the Dessa road stretch with proper drainage, fixation of rates for agricultural produce, enhancement of application registration and approvals, rural business hub requirements, strengthening FPOs, MGNREGA job cards, KCC loan waivers, unemployment, landslide-related concerns, demand for playground at Kaljugasar, health staff shortages land demarcation issues following recent floods and climate change-related agricultural challenges.

Responding to the demands, the Deputy Commissioner issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned departments. He directed the Executive Engineer Jal Shakti to resolve water supply issues in Panchayat areas, the Revenue Department to expedite land demarcation and concerned agencies to initiate road widening and drainage works.

 The BDO was instructed to identify suitable land for the playground at Kaljugasar while the CMO was directed to address health staff requirements. The ACD and Chief Agriculture Officer were tasked with resolving issues related to PM-KISAN, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and implementation of agriculture and horticulture schemes.

Emphasising collective efforts, the DC urged farmers to adopt vermi-composting, promote local agricultural produce, form FPOs, collaborate with GI tag stakeholders and work jointly to address climate change and environmental challenges.